Skip to main content

Beef Barley Soup

One pot meal combining barley, veggies and a flavorful broth!
Two bowls are filled with a hearty soup made with vegetables, ground beef and barley.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Makes: 14 Cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef (15% fat or less)
1 large carrot, diced (about 1 cup)
1 small onion, diced (about 1 cup)
2 stalks celery, diced (about 1 cup)
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or ½ teaspoon garlic powder
8 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 can (14.5 ounce) diced tomatoes with juice
1 cup pearl barley (see Notes)
½ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse or scrub fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
  3. In large sauce pot, cook ground beef over medium heat. Drain fat (see Notes).
  4. Add carrot, onion, celery and garlic; stir often and cook for about 5 minutes.
  5. Add broth, tomatoes with juice, barley and pepper. Bring to a boil.
  6. Cover and reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 45 to 60 minutes or until barley is as tender as you like it.
  7. Serve warm.
  8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Pour fat from cooked meat into a metal container. Let it cool, then dispose of it in a garbage can.
  • No broth? Use 8 teaspoons low-sodium bouillon and 8 cups of water instead.
  • Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms with tomatoes.
  • Add 1 cup chopped kale or other greens with tomatoes.
  • Pearl barley is high in fiber but is not a whole grain. If using whole grain barley (also called hulled barley), it may take longer for the barley to soften.
  • Try adding cilantro on top for more flavor.
  • This recipe can be made in a 5-quart or larger slow cooker for extra convenience. Put cooked ground beef and all other ingredients into the cooker, cover and cook on LOW for 7 to 8 hours. To shorten cooking time, cook on HIGH for 1 hour then turn to LOW for 5 to 6 hours or until barley is cooked as tender as you like.

Comments

Very good for a soup that only took 40 minutes to cook! Adding tomato stock might be nice and make the broth a little more flavorful.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Southern Seasoning
Bowl of red spice mix.

Southern Seasoning

This spicy seasoning mix combines flavors to create savory meals with heat. Good with soups, stews and vegetables or use as a dry rub for meat, fish and poultry.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
about 1/2 cup
Quinoa Salad
Bowl of quinoa with a colorful vegetable mix.

Quinoa Salad

Quick and healthy quinoa salad made with fresh vegetables and a tangy garlic dressing.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Stovetop Popcorn
Bowls of popcorn served with seaweed and seasonings.

Stovetop Popcorn

Homemade popcorn in just a few minutes.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Slow Cooker Beans
Crock Pot with cooked red kidney beans.

Slow Cooker Beans

Making beans in the slow cooker is easy and can save you money. Season them the way you like and make enough to freeze for more easy meals.
Prepare:
5 minutes + 6 hours soaking
Cook:
4 to 6 hours
Makes:
6 cups
Slow Cooker Black Bean, Sweet Potato and Quinoa Chili
Colorful bowls of thick chili served with green onion.

Slow Cooker Black Bean, Sweet Potato and Quinoa Chili

This simple-to-make and healthy slow cooker chili is full of flavor. Substitute any vegetables you have on hand and freeze extras for an easy lunch.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
2 to 6 hours
Makes:
12 cups
Stovetop Tuna Casserole
Bowl of egg noodles with peas and tuna mixed in.

Stovetop Tuna Casserole

Tender egg noodles with a creamy sauce, bright peas and tasty tuna.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
7 Cups