Winter is the perfect time for warm and hearty soups, and one that you can’t miss out on is the Beef and Barley Soup. This delicious soup is packed with tender beef, nutritious barley, flavorful veggies, and fresh herbs. It’s a soup that your family will be asking for all winter long!
A Hearty Winter Soup
There’s something special about a soup that warms you up on a cold day, and the Beef and Barley Soup does just that. It’s a comforting and flavorful soup that will satisfy your cravings. The beef is tender and succulent, while the barley adds a nice chewy texture. The combination of veggies and herbs enhances the overall flavor, making it a soup that you’ll keep coming back to.
Easy to Make
You might think that making this soup takes a lot of time and effort, but fret not! Once you have prepped the veggies and seared the beef, it becomes a hands-off process. Simply let it simmer and develop all the rich flavors while you relax on the couch. To make things even easier, you can prep the veggies and sear the beef ahead of time and let your crockpot do the rest. Whether you choose the stovetop or slow cooker method, you’ll be raving about this soup all winter long.
Choosing the Right Beef
For the best results, it’s recommended to use stewing meat for this soup. You can easily find pre-cubed stewing meat at your local grocery store. If that’s not available, a chuck roast is a great alternative. If you prefer, you can also use ground beef. The choice is yours!
Don’t Skip Browning
While browning the chuck roast is optional, we highly recommend doing it. This step adds a depth of flavor to the soup that you won’t want to miss out on. Trust us, it’s worth the extra effort!
A Hint of Red Wine
Red wine adds a delightful flavor to this soup, and don’t worry, all the alcohol cooks out during the simmering process. However, if you prefer not to cook with alcohol, you can substitute it with more broth. Use any red wine that you enjoy drinking, just make sure it’s not cooking wine from the grocery store. You want a good quality wine without any added salt.
Tomato Paste Tip
No one likes wasting ingredients, especially when it comes to tomato paste. Instead of opening a can and using only a few tablespoons, opt for the tubes of tomato paste found next to the cans. This way, you can use just the amount you need without any waste.
The Magic of Barley
Barley is an under-utilized grain that adds a wonderful nutty flavor and texture to soups. In this recipe, we recommend using pearl barley for the best results.
Make Ahead Instructions
This soup is perfect for those busy days when you want a make-ahead meal. You can prepare it up to 48 hours in advance, but hold off on adding the barley if you’re not serving it immediately. Cook the barley separately according to the package instructions and add it to the soup when you’re ready to serve.
Freezer Friendly
If you have any leftovers or want to make a big batch for future meals, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then pour it into gallon-sized ziplock bags. Seal the bags tightly and lay them flat in your freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy the soup, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Storage and Reheating
Any leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When reheating, you can either use a saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat or heat it in the microwave in 30-second increments until warmed through.
