Ground Beef and Barley Soup Recipe

Introduction

Ground Beef and Barley Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender ground beef, nutritious barley, and a rich blend of vegetables in a savory broth. This delicious soup offers a satisfying meal for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to casual weeknight meals. The barley adds a subtle chewiness and an earthy flavor, perfectly complementing the ground beef and vegetables in the broth. This simple yet satisfying soup is a great way to warm up on cold days or feed a crowd with minimal effort.

Whether you’re looking for a filling meal that’s easy to prepare or seeking a new family favorite, Ground Beef and Barley Soup offers both convenience and great taste. This guide will take you through each step of making this comforting soup, share tips for success, and offer fun variations to try.

Why You’ll Love Ground Beef and Barley Soup

• Hearty and Filling: This soup is loaded with protein from the ground beef and fiber from the barley, making it both satisfying and nutritious. It’s a meal on its own, perfect for chilly nights or busy days when you need something hearty to fill you up.
• Flavorful and Savory: The savory beef broth, combined with the earthy barley and tender ground beef, creates a delicious depth of flavor that makes this soup so comforting.
• Packed with Vegetables: With ingredients like carrots, celery, and onions, this soup is full of healthy vegetables that add both flavor and nutrition. It’s an easy way to get a serving of veggies in a satisfying meal.
• Easy to Make: Despite its hearty flavor, this soup is simple to prepare, requiring just basic pantry staples. It’s an excellent choice for beginner cooks and busy families alike.
• Versatile: Ground Beef and Barley Soup can be adapted to suit various tastes or dietary preferences, and you can easily make it your own by adding additional vegetables or seasonings.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 300-350 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Fat: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 25-30g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 5g

Ingredients

For the Ground Beef and Barley Soup:

• 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup barley (pearl or hulled)
• 6 cups beef broth (low sodium recommended)
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for added umami flavor)
• Optional: 1/2 cup frozen peas or corn (for added color and sweetness)

Special Equipment

While making Ground Beef and Barley Soup doesn’t require specialized tools, having a few pieces of equipment will make the process smoother and more efficient:

1. Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven: A large pot or Dutch oven is essential for cooking the soup. It should be big enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably, allowing for even cooking and stirring.
2. Wooden Spoon or Spatula: A wooden spoon or spatula helps you stir the soup and brown the ground beef evenly, without damaging your pot. It’s also great for scraping up any delicious bits from the bottom of the pot.
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements help ensure the right balance of ingredients. Use standard measuring cups and spoons to measure out the barley, spices, and broth.
4. Sharp Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery much easier and quicker.
5. Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board will provide a safe and convenient surface for chopping the vegetables.
6. Ladle: A ladle is useful for serving the soup, making it easier to portion out each bowl.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Start by preparing your vegetables. Dice the onion, peel and chop the carrots, chop the celery, and mince the garlic. If you’re using frozen peas or corn, have those ready to add later. Rinse the barley under cold water to remove any dust or debris.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Stir frequently to ensure the beef cooks evenly and turns brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat if necessary, but leave a small amount in the pot for flavor.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

Add the diced onion, chopped carrots, and celery to the pot with the ground beef. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften and the onions become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

4. Add the Broth and Barley

Pour in the beef broth and add the rinsed barley to the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients. Add the dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. If you’re using soy sauce for added umami flavor, add it at this stage as well.

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to ensure the barley doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.

5. Add Optional Ingredients

About 5 minutes before the soup is finished cooking, add any optional ingredients like frozen peas or corn. Stir them in and cook for the remaining time to heat them through.

6. Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preferences. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it hot. You can garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips for Perfect Ground Beef and Barley Soup

• Brown the Beef Well: Browning the ground beef properly enhances its flavor and adds depth to the soup. Don’t rush this step; take time to cook the beef until it’s deeply browned.
• Use Low-Sodium Broth: Since this soup includes added soy sauce and other seasonings, using low-sodium broth helps control the overall saltiness of the dish.
• Don’t Skip the Simmering Time: Allowing the soup to simmer for at least 45 minutes helps the barley become tender and allows the flavors to meld together. Be patient—this step makes a big difference in the final taste!
• Add Extra Vegetables: If you like, feel free to add more vegetables, such as potatoes, parsnips, or zucchini. These additions will make the soup even more filling and nutritious.
• Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, add a little more barley or reduce the broth slightly during cooking. If you prefer a thinner soup, simply add more broth to reach your desired consistency.

Variations of Ground Beef and Barley Soup

• Vegetarian Ground Beef and Barley Soup: For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep the flavors in line.
• Spicy Ground Beef and Barley Soup: Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or a diced jalapeño to the soup for a spicy kick. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to taste.
• Mushroom Ground Beef and Barley Soup: Sauté some chopped mushrooms along with the vegetables to add an earthy flavor that complements the barley and beef.
• Italian Ground Beef and Barley Soup: Add a can of diced tomatoes, a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and a splash of red wine to the broth for a richer, more Mediterranean-inspired flavor.

Storage and Shelf Life

Ground Beef and Barley Soup can be stored for later use. Once cooled to room temperature, transfer the soup into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth if the soup thickens too much during storage.

For longer storage, freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and heat it through on the stove.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Ground Beef and Barley Soup

Pair this soup with complementary sides to enhance your meal:

• Crusty Bread: Serve the soup with warm, crusty bread or rolls for dipping into the rich broth. A slice of sourdough or French bread is ideal.
• Green Salad: A light and refreshing green salad with a simple vinaigrette will balance the richness of the soup and add freshness to the meal.
• Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the soup adds a deliciously salty contrast to the savory broth.
• Garlic Bread: For a flavorful side, serve garlic bread or garlic toast alongside the soup. The buttery, garlicky bread is a perfect complement.

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Conclusion

Ground Beef and Barley Soup offers a delicious combination of hearty beef, tender barley, and flavorful vegetables in a savory broth. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that can be enjoyed year-round, whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a comforting dinner for your family. With its rich flavors, nutritious ingredients, and versatility, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy a warm bowl of Ground Beef and Barley Soup and savor the comfort it brings!