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Beef Barley Soup

Tender chunks of beef simmer with barley and vegetables in a rich broth for a hearty, warming soup.

⏱ 15 minPrep time
🔥 90 minCook time
🍽 8Servings
🏷 SoupCategory
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Beef barley soup has roots in Eastern European Jewish cooking, brought to the United States by immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, who valued barley as a hearty, affordable grain. It became a beloved American comfort soup throughout the 20th century, especially popular in the colder months.

Hearty, savory, and packed with wholesome grains

Tender chunks of beef simmer with barley and vegetables in a rich broth for a hearty, warming soup.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Heat oil in a large pot and brown the beef on all sides.
  2. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, cooking until softened.
  3. Pour in the beef broth and add the barley, tomatoes, and bay leaves.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  5. Cover and cook 1 to 1 1/2 hours until the beef and barley are tender.
  6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Barley continues to absorb liquid as it sits, so add a splash more broth when reheating leftovers. Browning the beef well before adding liquid builds a deeper, richer flavor.

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Recipe details

Prep15 min
Cook90 min
Servings8
CategorySoup
PublishedAugust 12, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →