Beef Barley Soup is the epitome of comfort food, a rich and satisfying blend of tender beef, nutritious barley, and a medley of vegetables, all simmered in a flavorful broth. This recipe takes the classic beef barley soup and elevates it, embodying the hearty, home-style cooking that resonates with the spirit of the Pioneer Woman. Whether you’re using budget-friendly stew meat for a quicker meal or opting for a slow-cooked chuck roast for maximum tenderness, this soup is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
A comforting bowl of pioneer woman beef barley soup with a spoon, highlighting the rich broth and hearty ingredients.
As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite as welcoming as a warm bowl of homemade soup. This Pioneer Woman inspired Beef Barley Soup is perfect for those cozy evenings. It’s a meal that sticks to your ribs, packed with flavor and goodness. Just like Ree Drummond’s recipes, this soup is approachable, wholesome, and utterly delicious. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, eager for a taste of home-cooked goodness.
This recipe offers flexibility to suit your time and preferences. You can choose to use a chuck roast for a deeply flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth beef experience that requires a longer simmering time. Alternatively, beef stew meat provides a quicker route to the table without compromising on the essential heartiness of the soup. Both methods yield fantastic results, just with slightly different textures and cooking durations.
What Makes This Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup a Must-Try?
This isn’t just any beef barley soup; it’s crafted with the home-cooking philosophy of the Pioneer Woman in mind. It’s about simple, honest ingredients cooked with care to create something truly special. Here’s what sets this recipe apart:
- Hearty Beef: We’re talking generous chunks of beef that become incredibly tender as they simmer in the broth. Whether you choose chuck roast or stew meat, the beef is the star of this soup.
- Nutritious Barley: Barley adds a wonderful chewy texture and nutty flavor, transforming this soup into a complete and satisfying meal. It’s also packed with fiber and nutrients, making it a healthy choice.
- Wholesome Vegetables: A colorful array of carrots, celery, onions, tomatoes, corn, and garlic not only adds flavor but also boosts the nutritional value of the soup.
- Deeply Flavorful Broth: The broth is the soul of any good soup, and this recipe doesn’t skimp on flavor. A blend of herbs and fire-roasted tomatoes creates a rich and savory base that perfectly complements the beef and barley.
- Easy to Customize: Like all great home-style recipes, this Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup is adaptable. You can adjust the vegetables, seasonings, and even the type of beef to suit your family’s tastes.
Essential Ingredients for Your Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup
Let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need to create this comforting soup. Here’s a breakdown to guide you:
- Beef:
- Chuck Roast: For the most tender and flavorful results, a 3-pound chuck roast is highly recommended. It’s a tougher cut that becomes incredibly succulent with slow cooking.
- Beef Stew Meat: If time is of the essence, you can use beef stew meat. While it won’t be quite as tender as chuck roast, it still provides a hearty beefy flavor.
- Barley:
- Pearled Barley: Medium pearled barley is ideal for this soup. It has a delightful chewy texture and takes about 45 minutes to cook.
- Quick-Cooking Barley: For a faster cooking time, you can use quick-cooking barley, which is ready in about 15 minutes. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Vegetables:
- Carrots, Celery, and Onion: This classic trio forms the aromatic base of the soup.
- Garlic: Adds a pungent and savory note.
- Corn: Provides a touch of sweetness and pops of texture. Canned or frozen corn works well.
- Diced Tomatoes: Fire-roasted diced tomatoes are recommended for a deeper, smokier flavor, but regular diced tomatoes are also fine.
- Broth and Seasonings:
- Beef Broth: Low-sodium beef broth allows you to control the saltiness of the soup.
- Dried Parsley, Oregano, and Thyme: These herbs create a classic savory flavor profile.
- Bay Leaves: Add a subtle depth of flavor that enhances the overall soup.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, essential for seasoning.
- Vegetable Oil: For browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables.
Ingredients for beef barley soup, featuring chuck roast, barley, carrots, celery, onions, and canned goods, ready to be transformed into a hearty meal.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup
Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to make this comforting Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup:
- 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. Browning the beef adds depth of flavor to the soup. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add a bit more vegetable oil to the pot if needed. Add the chopped carrots, onions, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the crushed garlic, dried parsley, oregano, and thyme. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This step layers in the flavors that make the soup so delicious.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the beef broth and add the diced tomatoes and bay leaves. Return the browned beef to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer.
- For Chuck Roast: Simmer for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until the chuck roast is fork-tender.
- For Stew Meat: Simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the stew meat is cooked through.
- Add Barley and Corn: Stir in the pearled barley and corn. Cover and continue to simmer until the barley is tender.
- Medium Pearled Barley: Will take about 45 minutes.
- Quick-Cooking Barley: Will take about 15 minutes.
- Prepare the Beef: If using 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 hot soup into bowls and serve.
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup
To ensure your Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup is a resounding success, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t Skip the Searing: Searing the beef is crucial for developing rich, deep flavor in the soup. It creates a beautiful crust on the meat and adds complexity to the broth.
- Low-Sodium Broth is Best: Using low-sodium beef broth allows you to control the salt level. You can always add more salt to taste at the end, but you can’t take it away.
- Fresh Herbs for Extra Brightness: While dried herbs are convenient, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme at the end for a burst of fresh flavor.
- Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as potatoes, peas, or green beans. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Avoid Overcooking the Barley: Keep an eye on the barley as it cooks. Overcooked barley can become mushy. It should be tender but still slightly chewy.
- Make it Ahead: Beef Barley Soup is even more flavorful the next day, making it a great make-ahead meal. The flavors meld together beautifully overnight.
A ladle scooping up a generous portion of beef barley soup from a large pot, showing the hearty texture and inviting aroma.
Serving and Storing Your Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup
Serving Suggestions:
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread or rolls for dipping into the delicious broth.
- Side Salad: A simple side salad complements the richness of the soup.
- Cornbread: Cornbread is another classic pairing with beef barley soup, adding a touch of sweetness and different texture.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at reduced power until heated through.
- Freeze: To freeze, let the soup cool completely. Pour into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving some headspace. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Enjoy the comforting and hearty flavors of this Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup. It’s a perfect meal for chilly days and a wonderful way to bring the warmth of home-style cooking to your table.
