Warm Up with Delicious Beef and Barley Soup!

Warm up with this delicious Beef and Barley Soup recipe! Made with tender beef, wholesome pearl barley, fresh vegetables, and rich savoury broth, this soup is the ultimate comfort food for cold days. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or family gathering, this hearty dish will quickly become one of your favourites.

Check Out The Recipe Video Below

Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

• 150g streaky bacon or Irish rashers, chopped into small pieces

• 450g stewing beef (shin, brisket, or chuck), diced

• 10g butter or beef dripping

• 200g pearl barley, rinsed

• 200g onions (about 2 medium), chopped

• 200g leeks (about 2 medium), cleaned and sliced

• 150g celery (about 2 sticks, optional), chopped

• 300g carrots (about 3 medium), diced

• 300g potato, peeled and diced

• 2L beef stock (or a mix of beef + chicken stock for balance)

• 2 bay leaves

• 5g fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)

• 10g fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  
  

Method

Cook the Bacon

In a heavy pot, fry the chopped bacon until it renders its fat and turns golden. Once done, remove it from the pan and set it aside.

Brown the Beef

In the same pot, add extra butter or beef dripping if needed, along with the bacon fat. Brown the beef pieces until they are nicely seared. After browning, remove the beef from the pan.

Soften the Vegetables

Now, add the onions, leeks, and celery (if using) along with the carrots. Cook this mixture for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.

Add Barley and Stock

Stir in the rinsed barley. Then, add the bacon and beef back into the pot. Pour over the stock, and toss in the bay leaves and thyme. Let it simmer gently for 1 hour. This is where the magic happens!

Add Root Vegetables

After an hour, stir in the diced potatoes. Continue simmering for another 30–40 minutes until the beef, barley, and vegetables are tender.

Finish Up

Remove the bay leaves from the pot. Season with freshly ground black pepper and taste before adding salt, as the bacon already contributes some saltiness. Stir in the fresh parsley for a pop of colour and flavour. If you like, garnish with the reserved crispy bacon for an extra treat!

Tips for the Best Beef and Barley Soup

Choose Quality Ingredients

Using high-quality beef and fresh vegetables makes a big difference in flavour. Look for well-marbled beef for the best results.

Make It Ahead

This soup tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for later.

Customize Your Soup

Feel free to add your favourite vegetables! Mushrooms, peas, or even spinach can be great additions. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Serve with Bread

Pair your soup with a slice of crusty bread or a warm roll. It’s perfect for dipping!

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making this Beef and Barley Soup as much as I do! It’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly days. Don't forget to check out the video tutorial for a step-by-step guide. Happy cooking!