• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • About
  • Contact Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

Dinner at the Zoo

  • All Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Appetizers
  • Dessert
  • One Pot Meals
  • Slow Cooker
  • Asian Food

Home » Soup » Beef Barley Soup

Published: January 15, 2019 Last Modified: March 4, 2019 By Sara 48 Comments

Beef Barley Soup

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Beef Barley Soup Recipe | Beef Soup | Barley Soup #soup #beef #dinner #vegetables #dinneratthezoo #comfortfood

This beef barley soup is a hearty combination of beef, vegetables, barley and mushrooms, all simmered together until tender and flavorful. A hearty dinner option that’s easy to make and freezer friendly.

My family could eat soup every night, some of our favorites include cabbage roll soup and chicken tortellini soup. Beef barley soup is also on the list, because it’s simple yet totally satisfying.

Beef Barley Soup Recipe | Beef Soup | Barley Soup #soup #beef #dinner #vegetables #dinneratthezoo #comfortfood Beef Barley Soup Recipe | Beef Soup | Barley Soup #soup #beef #dinner #vegetables #dinneratthezoo #comfortfood

A pot full of beef barley soup made with beef stew meat, barley and vegetables all simmered together.

Whenever I’m looking for a comfort food style meal that I know my family will approve of, I turn to this beef barley soup. It’s got bold flavors, fork tender meat, plenty of veggies and the barley adds such great texture. Kids and adults alike will enjoy this one!

How do you make beef barley soup?

Beef barley soup starts with a few pounds of stew meat, which gets simmered with vegetables until everything is tender. After the meat and veggies are ready, sliced mushrooms and pearl barley are added to the pot to cook until done. Add a sprinkling of parsley and dinner is served!

Seared beef stew meat in a soup pot.

What is pearl barley?

Pearl barley is a type of barley that has been processed to remove the hull and bran. Pearl barley is faster cooking and has a better texture than unprocessed whole barley, which can sometimes be overly chewy.

Tips for beef barley soup

  • I use beef stew meat because it’s inexpensive and convenient. You can also buy a chuck roast and cut it into cubes if you prefer.
  • I cut my vegetables on the larger side so that they don’t disintegrate into the soup while the meat is simmering. If you prefer firmer veggies, you can saute them, remove them from the pan, then add them back in halfway through the cook time.
  • I typically use button mushrooms, but cremini mushrooms also work well.
  • I like to serve beef barley soup with a side of fresh baguette or honey cornbread.

Beef stew meat, carrots, onions and celery in a soup pot.

Ground beef and barley soup

Don’t want to wait an hour for your beef stew meat to get tender? Consider using ground beef instead. You’ll get a similar rich flavor with a fraction of the cook time. Substitute 1 1/2 pounds of lean ground beef for the stew meat in this recipe.

Beef barley soup with sliced mushrooms and barley stirred in.

Freezer Beef Barley Soup

Beef barley soup is the perfect candidate for the freezer. You can either freeze your cooked soup, or you can do it meal prep style where you freeze all of the ingredients in one bag, then thaw everything and cook. Here is my freezer meal beef barley soup recipe.

A pot of beef barley soup with mushrooms, carrots and celery.

Slow cooker beef barley soup

This recipe can easily be adapted to use in the slow cooker. Simply brown your beef and vegetables as directed, then place all of the ingredients except the parsley into a crock pot. Cook for 6-8 hours on low, then serve. If you choose to make this soup in the slow cooker, the barley will have a softer texture than the stove top version, but it’s still totally delicious.

A bowl of beef barley soup topped with chopped parsley.

Once you try this beef barley soup, you’ll be hooked. It’s an interpretation of the classic recipe that’s anything but ordinary!

More hearty soup recipes

  • Stuffed Pepper Soup
  • Mexican Chicken Soup
  • Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
  • Sausage Tortellini Soup
  • Chicken Taco Soup
A pot full of beef barley soup made with beef stew meat, barley and vegetables all simmered together.
Print Pin
5 from 28 votes

Beef Barley Soup

This beef barley soup is a hearty combination of beef, vegetables, barley and mushrooms, all simmered together until tender and flavorful. A hearty dinner option that's easy to make and freezer friendly.
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings 6
Calories 371kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 pounds beef stew meat
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 3 large carrots cut into 3/4 inch pieces
  • 3 stalks celery sliced
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 8 cups beef broth
  • 1 dried bay leaf
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 3/4 cup pearl barley
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Place half of the meat in the pot in a single layer. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until browned. Repeat with remaining meat. 
  • Remove the meat from the pot and cover to keep warm. Add the onion, carrots, celery and garlic to the pot. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until softened.
  • At this point you can either leave the veggies in the pot to simmer with the beef, or remove the vegetables and add them back in later. It depends on whether you prefer softer or firmer vegetables in your soup.
  • Add the beef, beef broth, bay leaf and thyme to the pot. Bring to a simmer. Cook for 60 minutes or until beef is tender.
  • If you've reserved your vegetables, add them back in now. Add the barley and mushrooms to the pot. Cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until barley is tender.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 371kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 93mg | Sodium: 819mg | Potassium: 1003mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 6120IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 79mg | Iron: 4.6mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @DinnerAtTheZoo or tag #dinneratthezoo!
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Filed Under: Dinner, Soup

FREE TOOLKIT: 5 Secrets to Meal Planning

Learn my 5 Meal Planning Secrets & get my Meal Planning Toolkit...FREE!

    ​
    ​

    Still hungry? Follow Dinner at the Zoo on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for more great recipe ideas!

    « Blueberry Banana Bread
    Cashew Chicken »

    Comments

    1. Kathleen says

      October 25, 2021 at 5:01 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent soup! I didn’t change a thing, and the entire family loved it. I’m sure I’ll be making this again during the fall and winter. Thank you for the delicious recipe.

      Reply
    2. Krista says

      June 15, 2021 at 6:27 am

      5 stars
      I make this soup all the time now. I do add a tsp of ground ginger to mine and I also use no sodium added beef stock. Also I throw parsnips and potato in it with lots of onion carrots and celery.

      Reply
    3. Julia says

      March 7, 2021 at 2:07 pm

      5 stars
      I love recipes with barley and can’t wait to make this as I have all the ingredients at home 🙂

      Reply
    4. Kara says

      March 7, 2021 at 1:05 pm

      5 stars
      I love soup… could literally eat soup every day of the year. This is a great recipe. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    5. Biana says

      March 7, 2021 at 12:42 pm

      5 stars
      This soup looks amazing, and simple to make too! Will be making it very soon.

      Reply
    6. Claudia Lamascolo says

      March 7, 2021 at 12:26 pm

      5 stars
      I hate to admit I just bought two cans of barley soup from a favorite brand. This certainly look 1k times better, I am going to try it tomorrow thanks!

      Reply
    7. Eileen Kelly says

      March 7, 2021 at 12:05 pm

      5 stars
      This soup is so delicious. Easy to follow directions and the end result, super tender meat. The barley is soft and tasty. I will make again.

      Reply
    8. Jeanine says

      March 1, 2021 at 5:33 pm

      5 stars
      It’s so cold here so I made this barley soup and we loved it! Full meal in a bowl!

      Reply
    9. Laura says

      February 21, 2021 at 10:00 am

      Should I cover the pot while it summers? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Laura says

        February 21, 2021 at 10:03 am

        I meant simmers 🤪

        Reply
      • Sara says

        February 21, 2021 at 7:12 pm

        I do not cover the pot!

        Reply
    10. Doris Vetter says

      January 16, 2021 at 10:22 am

      Do I cover the pot to cook the beef?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        January 16, 2021 at 8:23 pm

        I do not cover the pot, but you can if you prefer!

        Reply
    11. Tamara says

      November 14, 2020 at 7:23 am

      Hi! I would love to try this – but I’m wondering if it can be done in the Instant Pot? I prefer things I can basically leave – but without the time of slow cooker. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Sara says

        November 14, 2020 at 9:09 am

        Yes I think that would work fine!

        Reply
    12. Grace says

      October 10, 2020 at 1:16 pm

      5 stars
      I used to go to a deli and get this soup with my mom. I gave this recipe a try and it was delicious! Deli style food at home. Even better the second day!

      Reply
    13. Julie Marie Green says

      July 26, 2020 at 6:54 am

      5 stars
      This recipe looks amazing! But 1 question: can you freeze leftovers?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        July 26, 2020 at 2:57 pm

        Yes you can freeze it!

        Reply
      • Gem101 says

        October 10, 2020 at 5:05 pm

        5 stars
        This is the best beef barley recipe ever!

        I added a tablespoon of worcestershire sauce and a tablespoon of gravy thickener amd it turned out really good . Slow cooked for 6 hours.

        Everyone at home loved it.

        Reply
    14. Wesley R says

      February 5, 2020 at 1:08 pm

      Very tasty beef and barley soup. I love this kind of soup but the store-bought versions always leave me wanting. I used closer to 3lbs of Chuck roast and cubed it myself. Some butchers hide old meat and rough cuts in the packaged cubed stew meat. Dusted with baking soda to encourage browning. Carrots got a little soft so I’d cook them first and pull for the last cook next time but it’s fine. They are just a little soft. I used dried parsley flakes and dried thyme. I used quick cook barley and it took 20 mins to tender. Great recipe and really easy all told.

      Reply
    15. Carole Fontaine says

      February 4, 2020 at 2:24 pm

      5 stars
      Made this and husband and I loved it. It was so delicious a few days later when we finished it off, that we are making it again tonight.

      Reply
    16. Vallaire says

      January 1, 2020 at 4:47 pm

      5 stars
      My husband and I thought this recipe was delicious!!!!

      Reply
    17. Vance Phillips says

      December 5, 2019 at 7:57 am

      5 stars
      My family loved this dish. This Beef Barley soup, is easily one of the best soups I’ve ever made.

      Reply
    18. SusanFromIowa says

      November 10, 2019 at 12:59 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious and easy! It was a hit at our house, and I’ll definitely be making it again!

      Reply
    19. Kimberly Auer says

      October 26, 2019 at 5:10 am

      Hi I just have a question. I have never used barley before and the store I bought it at had pot barley not pearl. Does it make a difference and does it require more time to cook? I really like the recipe you have so I wanted to try it but very inexperienced with barley.

      Reply
      • Sara says

        October 27, 2019 at 8:31 am

        Pot barley is fine it will just take longer to cook, let it simmer for at least 50 minutes!

        Reply
        • Bob Modeland says

          March 19, 2020 at 4:13 pm

          And pot barley is better for you. It is less process it still has the bran on it

          Reply
    « Older Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating





    With 3 young kids, dinner can feel like feeding time at the zoo! I'm a mom on a mission to create easy, healthy and family friendly recipes ...Read More

    Spring Recipes

    Bacon wrapped asparagus on a serving plate.

    Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

    Grilled shrimp skewers with lemon wedges and parsley.

    Grilled Shrimp Skewers

    Shrimp boil with tender shrimp, corn on the cob, potatoes and sausage.

    Shrimp Boil Recipe

    This recipe for lemon asparagus pasta combines tender asparagus and grilled chicken with pasta in a lemon cream sauce. It's a delicious and hearty entree that everyone will want seconds of!

    Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Grilled Chicken

    Chicken and green beans coated in honey garlic sauce.

    Chicken and Green Beans

    Chicken milanese topped with arugula salad in a skillet.

    Chicken Milanese

    More Posts from this Category

    Featured Recipes

    This recipe for chicken ranch tacos is grilled chicken with bacon, homemade ranch sauce, cheese and fresh vegetables, all stuffed inside warm flour tortillas. A family friendly meal that's simple to make and fun to eat!

    Chicken Ranch Tacos

    Kung pao beef with peppers and peanuts in a saute pan.

    Kung Pao Beef

    Chicken and green beans coated in honey garlic sauce.

    Chicken and Green Beans

    Bites of sirloin steak in a garlic sauce.

    Steak Bites with Garlic Butter

    FREE TOOLKIT: 5 Secrets to Meal Planning

    Learn my 5 Meal Planning Secrets & get my Meal Planning Toolkit...FREE!

      ​
      ​

      Categories

      Sites I am featured In
      PRIVACY POLICY ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT © Sara Welch and Dinner at the Zoo® LLC, 2015-2022.
      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • Pinterest
      • RSS
      • Twitter
      • About Me
      • Contact Me
      • All Recipes
      • Dinner
      • Appetizers
      • Dessert
      • One Pot Meals
      • Slow Cooker
      • Asian Food