Ingredients
- 2/3 cup of medium barley
- 6 cups of low-sodium beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 carrots, sliced thinly into rounds
- 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 to 3 lbs of chuck roast
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 3 crushed garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon of dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground thyme
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 can of corn, drained
Instructions
- Sear the beef: Heat the vegetable oil in your large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chuck roast and sear it on all sides until golden brown. This step builds a lot of flavor, so don’t rush it! Once the beef is nicely browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté the veggies: In the same pot, add the carrots, celery, and onion. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften. They’ll pick up all those tasty browned bits from the beef, which adds extra flavor to the soup.
- Add the garlic and herbs: Stir in the crushed garlic, parsley, oregano, and thyme. Let everything cook together for about a minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn—it can turn bitter if overcooked.
- Build the broth: Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and bay leaf. Add the seared beef back into the pot. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for about 1.5 hours. This slow simmering allows the beef to become tender and the flavors to develop.
- Add the barley and corn: After 1.5 hours, add the barley and drained corn. Stir, cover, and cook for another 30 minutes, or until the barley is tender.
- Final simmer and finishing touches: Uncover the pot and let the soup simmer for another 15 minutes to thicken slightly. Remove the beef, trim any excess fat, and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Return the beef to the pot, and give everything a good stir.
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, and enjoy it with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Notes
For a cozy meal, serve this beef barley soup in wide bowls with a slice of crusty bread on the side. You could also top it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a handful of grated Parmesan for a little extra richness. If you’re hosting, place the pot of soup on the table and let everyone serve themselves—it adds to the homey vibe!
This soup pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or even a few slices of sharp cheddar cheese on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner