Family Beef Barley Soup

Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 6

Looking for a satisfying, hearty meal that’s quick to prepare and packed with pantry staples? This Family Beef Barley Soup is the perfect solution! With just a few ingredients, it delivers a rich, savory flavor that feels like love in a bowl. Ground beef, vegetables, and barley come together with tomatoes to create a comforting, nutrient-dense soup that’s perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings. Ideal for feeding 4-6, this soup is also budget-friendly and a great way to use up ingredients you may already have on hand.

The tomato paste and canned tomatoes add a delicious richness and depth to the broth. If you’re out of beef stock, no worries—chicken stock or even water can work just fine. A little fresh thyme and parsley enhance the flavors, while a bay leaf brings a subtle earthiness to round out the dish. This recipe is not only easy to make, but it also simmers in just 30-40 minutes, allowing the barley to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and finely diced
• 2 celery ribs, finely diced
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• 1 cup high-quality canned tomatoes
• 8 cups beef stock, chicken stock, or water
• 1 large bay leaf
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 cup barley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a heavy soup pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Strain off any excess fat, leaving a bit in the pot for added flavor.
2. Add the butter to the pot and melt, then add the chopped onion. Season lightly with salt and cook for a few minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
3. Add the diced carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Season with a bit more salt, then stir and cook for an additional few minutes to soften the vegetables.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and canned tomatoes, breaking up any large pieces of tomato with a spoon. Let the mixture come to a high simmer, cooking for 3-5 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
5. Add the stock, bay leaf, fresh thyme, parsley, and barley. Stir well to combine.
6. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the barley is tender.
7. Taste the soup, then season with additional salt and pepper to your preference.

Tip: If the soup thickens too much during cooking, add a little extra stock or water to reach your desired consistency.

This hearty beef barley soup is a warm, nutritious option that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful. Perfect for family dinners, this recipe also stores well—just refrigerate any leftovers for a quick, delicious meal later in the week. Serve with fresh bread or a side salad for a complete meal that everyone will love!