Hearty Beef Barley Soup

Introduction: Indulge in the comforting flavors of our homemade Beef Barley Soup, a wholesome and satisfying dish perfect for cozy evenings or chilly days. Crafted with tender beef stew meat, nutritious vegetables, and hearty barley, this recipe is a celebration of hearty goodness and timeless comfort. Let the aroma of simmering broth and savory ingredients fill your kitchen as you prepare to enjoy this delightful meal.

Ingredients:

  • Olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into uniform pieces
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 1 cup carrots, diced
  • 1 cup celery, diced
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon beef flavor
  • 2-3 boxes (32 ounces each) beef broth
  • 1 cup quick-cooking barley
  • 1 packet beef gravy mix
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation:

  1. Sauté Beef and Vegetables: Begin by drizzling olive oil and melting butter in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides. Stir in the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Mix well to coat the vegetables in the flavorful juices. Be careful not to burn the ingredients.
  2. Infuse with Flavor: Add the bay leaves and Better Than Bouillon beef flavor to the pot, stirring to incorporate the ingredients evenly. Let the mixture cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  3. Add Broth and Barley: Pour in the beef broth, allowing it to come to a gentle boil. Once the broth is simmering, add the quick-cooking barley to the pot, stirring constantly to prevent clumping. Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the barley is tender and cooked through.
  4. Enhance with Gravy Mix: Sprinkle the packet of beef gravy mix into the soup, stirring well to dissolve and thicken the broth. This addition adds an extra layer of richness and depth to the soup.
  5. Season to Perfection: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Adjust the seasoning as needed to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

Additional Tips:

  • For added richness, consider adding a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce to the soup.
  • Customize the soup by adding additional vegetables such as potatoes, peas, or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
  • Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or a dollop of sour cream for a touch of freshness.

Nutrition Information: (Per Serving – 1 cup)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 15g

Conclusion: Warm your soul with a bowl of our delicious Beef Barley Soup, a comforting and nourishing dish that brings together the rich flavors of tender beef, hearty barley, and wholesome vegetables. Whether enjoyed as a hearty meal on its own or served alongside crusty bread or a side salad, this soup is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling satisfied and content. So grab a spoon, cozy up, and savor the simple pleasures of homemade comfort food at its finest.