Skip to main content

Beef Barley Soup

One pot meal combining hearty grains, 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)

Lentil Confetti Salad
Rice, lentil and vegetable dish garnished with parsley

Lentil Confetti Salad

A lentil and rice salad mixed with an Italian dressing that makes a hearty and satisfying side dish.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Microwave Applesauce
Bowls of mashed apples with cinnamon.

Microwave Applesauce

Enjoy warm, cinnamon-spiced applesauce in minutes with this quick and easy recipe.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
3 ½ cups
Citrus Cucumber Flavored Water
Glasses of water with floating cucumber, lime and lemon slices.

Citrus Cucumber Flavored Water

A fun, citrusy recipe to help keep hydrated.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Salsa Verde
Bowl of green textured salsa.

Salsa Verde

This delicious green salsa uses tomatillos and green peppers to make a salsa that can be used with a variety of dishes.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
2 ½ cups
Watermelon Fruit Salad
Large bowl with a colorful fresh fruit mix.

Watermelon Fruit Salad

Fresh and easy summer fruit mixed with tangy lime and a touch of honey.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
4 Cups
Harissa Spice Mix
Small bowl of a red spice mix.

Harissa Spice Mix

This homemade spice blend is great on meats and veggies. Have it on hand whenever you need it!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
2 Tablespoons
Was this page helpful to you?
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.