Beef Barley Soup is the ultimate comfort food, especially when the weather turns cool. Imagine tender pieces of beef, wholesome barley, and a medley of vegetables simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. This isn’t just any soup; it’s a hearty, soul-warming meal, reminiscent of the kind of wholesome dishes you’d find in Ree Drummond’s kitchen. If you’re a fan of the Pioneer Woman’s style of cooking – approachable, delicious, and perfect for family dinners – then you’re going to adore this beef and barley soup recipe.
A bowl of beef barley soup with a spoon in it.
Just like the Pioneer Woman herself, this recipe is all about simple ingredients and straightforward techniques that deliver incredible flavor. It’s the kind of soup that fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma and brings everyone to the table, eager for a taste. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this beef and barley soup is guaranteed to be a satisfying and rewarding culinary adventure.
Why Beef and Barley Soup is a Family Favorite
Beef and barley soup is more than just a meal; it’s a classic for a reason. It strikes the perfect balance between hearty and healthy, offering a satisfying combination of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables in every spoonful. This soup is incredibly versatile and forgiving, making it a great option for busy weeknights or lazy weekend cooking.
One of the best things about beef barley soup is its incredible depth of flavor. The slow simmering process allows the beef broth to become rich and complex, while the barley adds a delightful nutty taste and satisfying chewiness. The vegetables contribute sweetness and freshness, creating a well-rounded and nourishing soup that the whole family will love.
Key Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Style Beef Barley Soup
To create a truly exceptional beef barley soup, similar to what you might find in the Pioneer Woman’s repertoire, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- Beef: For the most tender and flavorful results, chuck roast is highly recommended. It’s a tougher cut of meat that becomes incredibly succulent when slow-cooked. Alternatively, you can use beef stew meat for a quicker cooking time, though the chuck roast provides a richer flavor.
- Barley: This grain is the heart of the soup, providing a delightful chewy texture and nutty flavor. Pearled barley is the most common type used in soups and is readily available in most grocery stores. You can choose between medium or quick-cooking pearled barley depending on your cooking time.
- Vegetables: A medley of vegetables not only adds nutritional value but also layers of flavor. This recipe calls for classic soup vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, along with flavorful garlic and sweet corn. You can also experiment with other vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, or peas.
- Broth: A good quality beef broth is crucial for a flavorful soup. Opt for low-sodium broth to control the saltiness and allow the other flavors to shine.
- Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes, especially fire-roasted, add a touch of acidity and depth to the broth.
- Seasonings: Simple seasonings like dried parsley, oregano, thyme, and bay leaves enhance the natural flavors of the soup. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste, and feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Oil: Vegetable or canola oil is needed for searing the beef and sautéing the vegetables.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Hearty Beef Barley Soup
Follow these simple steps to create a comforting and flavorful beef barley soup that will rival any Pioneer Woman recipe:
-
Sear the Beef: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Season the chuck roast or stew meat with salt and pepper. Sear the beef on all sides until nicely browned. This step is crucial for developing rich, deep flavor in the soup. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
The steps to making beef barley soup. Brown the chuck roast. Saute the vegetables and herbs. Simmer everything in beef broth. -
Sauté the Vegetables: Add a bit more oil to the pot if needed. Add the chopped carrots, onions, and celery and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until slightly softened. Stir in the minced garlic, dried parsley, oregano, and thyme, and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.
-
Simmer the Soup: Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes. Add the bay leaves and return the seared beef to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently. If using chuck roast, simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender. If using stew meat, simmer for about 20-30 minutes.
-
Add Barley and Corn: Stir in the pearled barley and corn. If using medium pearled barley, cook for about 45 minutes, or until the barley is tender. If using quick-cooking barley, cook for about 15-20 minutes. Continue to simmer until the barley is cooked through and has plumped up.
-
Shred the Beef (if using chuck roast): If you used chuck roast, remove it from the pot once it’s tender. Place it on a cutting board and shred or cut it into bite-sized pieces, discarding any fat or gristle. Return the shredded beef to the soup.
-
Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Ladle the hot beef barley soup into bowls and enjoy!
A big pot full of beef barley soup with a a ladle in it.
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup
- Choose the Right Beef Cut: For the most flavorful and tender soup, chuck roast is the way to go. Its marbling and connective tissue break down during slow cooking, resulting in incredibly juicy and flavorful beef.
- Don’t Skip Searing the Beef: Searing the beef creates a beautiful crust and adds a depth of flavor to the soup that you just can’t get by skipping this step.
- Use Low-Sodium Broth: This allows you to control the salt level of the soup and prevents it from becoming too salty. You can always add more salt at the end if needed.
- Adjust Vegetables to Your Liking: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Potatoes, turnips, or green beans would also be delicious in this soup.
- Fresh Herbs for Extra Flavor: While dried herbs are convenient, adding a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary to the soup while it simmers can elevate the flavor even further. Remember to remove the sprigs before serving.
- Don’t Overcook the Barley: Overcooked barley can become mushy. Cook it until it’s tender but still slightly chewy.
Serving and Storing Your Beef Barley Soup
This hearty beef barley soup is a complete meal on its own. Serve it hot with a side of crusty bread for dipping and a simple green salad. For an extra touch, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Leftover beef barley soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You may need to add a little extra broth or water when reheating as the barley can absorb some of the liquid.
Enjoy this comforting and delicious Pioneer Woman inspired beef barley soup! It’s a perfect meal for chilly days and a guaranteed family favorite.
