This Easy Ground Beef and Barley Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! Made with tender ground beef, hearty barley, and fresh veggies, it’s packed with flavor.
I love how quick it is to make! Just toss everything in one pot, relax, and before you know it, there’s a delicious meal ready to go. Perfect for cozy nights! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I prefer using lean ground beef to keep it healthier, but you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, try using lentils or plant-based meat crumbles.
Pearl Barley: Barley adds great texture, but if you don’t have it, brown rice or quinoa can work too. Adjust cooking time as needed since rice cooks faster than barley.
Vegetables: Onions, carrots, and celery are classic for soup, but feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or potatoes. Frozen mixed veggies can be a handy substitute too.
Beef Broth: You can swap beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter taste. If you want a deeper flavor, try adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
Dried Thyme: Thyme gives a lovely herbal note, but dried oregano or Italian seasoning can be great alternatives if you’re out of thyme.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Ground Beef for Soup?
Cooking ground beef properly makes a big difference in your soup’s flavor. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Heat oil in the pot before adding the beef. This helps it brown evenly.
- Use a wooden spoon to break it up, cooking until it’s fully browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- If there’s any excess fat, drain it off after browning. This keeps your soup from being greasy.
By following these tips, your ground beef will enhance every spoonful of soup, delivering rich flavor and satisfying texture!
Easy Ground Beef And Barley Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups beef broth (or stock)
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional for added tomato flavor)
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Time Needed:
This wonderful soup will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 50 minutes to cook, including simmering time. So in total, you’ll be looking at about 1 hour and 5 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy family dinner!
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5 minutes until they become tender and fragrant.
2. Add Garlic:
Once the vegetables are softened, add the minced garlic to the pot. Cook and stir for about 1 minute until the garlic is aromatic but not browned.
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
Now it’s time to add the ground beef to the pot! Cook it while breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s well browned and no longer pink—about 5-7 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, feel free to drain it off.
4. Combine Ingredients:
After the beef is browned, stir in the rinsed barley, beef broth, and diced tomatoes (if using). Toss in the dried thyme and bay leaf. Give everything a good stir to combine!
5. Simmer the Soup:
Raise the heat and bring the soup to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot slightly. Let it simmer for about 40-50 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the flavors meld together beautifully.
6. Final Seasoning:
Before serving, taste the soup and season it with salt and black pepper as desired. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the delicious soup into bowls and garnish each with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot, and for an extra treat, pair it with some crusty bread on the side.
This nourishing soup features hearty barley grains, tender ground beef, and a medley of vegetables in a flavorful broth—perfect for a comforting meal! Enjoy every spoonful!
Can I Use Different Grains Instead of Barley?
Absolutely! If you don’t have pearl barley on hand, you can substitute it with brown rice or quinoa. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as those grains typically cook faster than barley.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No worries! You can easily replace beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor, or even use chicken broth. For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to enhance the taste.
How to Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats well on the stove or in the microwave—just add a little extra broth or water to maintain the desired consistency.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes! This soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
