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As the days grow shorter and the temperatures dip, there's nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of soup. Among the many varieties of soothing winter dishes, beef barley soup stands out for its rich flavors, hearty texture, and nourishing qualities. This dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a wholesome meal that brings families together around the table. With its robust combination of tender beef, nourishing vegetables, and chewy pearl barley, it embodies the essence of comfort food.

Hearty Beef Barley Soup

Warm up your winter with a bowl of hearty beef barley soup, a comforting dish perfect for chilly days. This delicious recipe features tender beef, nourishing vegetables, and chewy pearl barley, creating a nutritious powerhouse that's easy to prepare and ideal for family gatherings. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, this soup is perfect for meal prep and can be customized with seasonal ingredients. Discover how to make this wholesome dish that brings everyone together around the table.
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

3 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 medium carrots, sliced

2 stalks celery, diced

1 cup mushrooms, sliced

1 cup pearl barley, rinsed

8 cups beef broth

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp dried rosemary

2 bay leaves

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Sear the Beef: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Add them to the pot in a single layer and sear until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.

    Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic, sliced carrots, celery, and mushrooms, then cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

      Combine Ingredients: Return the seared beef to the pot. Add the rinsed pearl barley, beef broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir everything together and bring to a boil.

        Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through. Stir occasionally and add additional broth or water if needed to reach your desired consistency.

          Final Seasoning: Once the soup is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

            Serve: Ladle the hearty beef barley soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy hot with crusty bread or a side salad!

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 2 hours | 6-8 servings