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A close-up, appetizing shot of Hearty Beef and Vegetable Barley Soup featuring chunks of beef, carrots, celery, and plump barley grains.

Hearty Beef and Vegetable Barley Soup

This soup uses beef chuck roast, barley, and a variety of vegetables for a filling meal. It is a good option for home cooks looking for a nutritious, easy-to-make, and family-friendly recipe.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Soup Ingredients
  • 1 beef chuck roast (3 pound)
  • 1/2 cup barley
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 3 carrots, chopped
  • 3 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 package (16 ounce) frozen mixed vegetables
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 can (28 ounce) chopped stewed tomatoes
  • 4 beef bouillon cubes
  • 1 tablespoon white sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper or more to taste
  • to taste salt

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven

Method
 

  1. Cut the beef chuck roast into bite-sized pieces. Season the beef with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef pieces in batches, then remove them from the pot and set aside.
  3. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  4. Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the water, barley, bay leaf, bouillon cubes, and sugar.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
  6. Stir in the chopped stewed tomatoes and the frozen mixed vegetables. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 20 minutes, or until the barley is fully cooked and the soup has thickened slightly.
  7. Remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed before serving hot.

Notes

This soup freezes well. Cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. When reheating, you may need to add a little extra water or broth to adjust the consistency.

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