Old-Fashioned Hearty Beef Barley Soup uses long slow cooking to bring out the rich flavor of this satisfying homemade soup. The consistency is thick and rich almost like a beef barley stew. Don't worry, time spent in preparation is minimal. With cold weather just around the corner, this dish will warm the heart and tummy. Remember, ingredients and stove do the work, all you need to do is collect the praise.
For this recipe, you will need: beef, butter, olive oil, celery, onions, garlic, Italian parsley, fresh thyme, bay leaves, V-8 Juice, red wine, beef broth, barley, salt, and pepper.
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How to make a good beef soup.
This is one of those soups that can go from mediocre to outstanding by just applying a few different techniques. It uses common ingredients such as you find in most old family recipes.
Now this recipe is not just a runnier version of a beef stew as we've seen in some versions. Nor is this soup just an excuse to use leftover meat as is typical in some beef barley soup recipes.
- Oh no, our chuck blade is freshly ground and diced by my Honey.
- After the beef is sautéed with the onions, celery, garlic, the meat, vegetables, and herbs are slowly simmered to make a rich, tasty broth.
- Then enhancing the richness of the broth is the addition of red wine and spicy V-8 Juice.
- Finally, let all the ingredients simmer slowly so that every bit of flavor combines to make a delicious hearty soup.
It all boils down to using fresh ingredients to build a delicious base. Then adding flavored liquids to the base so that the meat cooks in a rich broth.
Sharing our beef barley soup
My mamma loved our soups and this one along with our Pasta e Fagioli was one of her favorites. Although she loved to cook it didn't make sense for her to make a big pot of soup just for herself.
Have you ever tried to make a small pot of soup? It's nearly impossible. You start adding a little of this and a little of that and before you know it, you've got a gargantuan pot!
So, we ended up making the beef barley soup and sharing it with my mamma and even my in-laws. An expensive gift wouldn't have meant as much to them.
Extending beef barley stew
Our barley soup is very thick, almost stew-like. I remember one time in particular when we made our Beef Barley Soup and gave some to my mamma. We gave her enough for several meals.
Each evening I'd call mamma at 5 pm and I'd ask about her day. We'd chit chat for a while and I'd always ask what she was having for dinner. She would answer Beef Barley Soup.
Several days later I stopped by to take her to the grocery store. When we got back to her house I asked what she was going to have for lunch.
She answered, "Beef barley soup."
I said, "But mamma, we didn't give you that much soup. You've been eating Beef Barley Soup every night."
Well, she got this sheepish look on her face. She opened the refrigerator and took out her little cooking pan -- the one she always used to reheat her soups. In it was what looked like Beef Barley Soup -- but not quite like what we had given her.
I gave her a puzzled look. She took out a glass jar containing a light tan colored liquid from the refrigerator. She unscrewed the liquid and let me take a sniff. Beef broth.
It suddenly dawned on me what she'd done. This was her way of making it last. I gave her a big hug and told her we'd make her some more -- she didn't have to add broth to it.
Beef barley soup hearty old-fashioned comfort food
When I told Honey about the soup episode it took him a few minutes to get over the shock of someone "watering" down his perfectly good soup.
Once reason took over, he decided to start on a new batch of soup so mamma wouldn't feel the need to ration (ruin) the soup. But that was my mamma and my papà too. They didn't waste -- they economized.
They weren't hoarders -- not by any means. Everything in our home was as neat as a pin. They just never took anything for granted and they used whatever they had until it had no more use left in it.
Old-Fashioned Hearty Beef Barley Soup is your basic comfort food. This is the type of soup that's perfect on a cold winter day.
It makes you feel all cozy warm from the inside out. And even though it is a hearty soup it isn't high in calories. Your family will love it and if you don't like it too spicy, serve it with regular V-8 instead of the spicy.
FAQ's for Beef Barley Soup
What is the best meat to use in Beef Barley Soup?
The best meat is beef stew meat or chuck roast cut into beef chunks.
Can I make this soup ahead?
It can be made ahead and freezes well. It's the perfect family dinner.
Can I put uncooked barley in soup?
Yes you can.
How long can you keep beef barley soup in the refrigerator?
You can keep it in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. After that freeze it in freezer containers. It will keep frozen for 3-6 months.
How long does it take to cook barley?
Pearl Barley takes 25 minutes to cook. Hulled Barley takes 40 minutes. When the barley is done it has tripled in volume and is soft and chewy.
What is the difference in pearl and hulled barley?
Pearl barley is processed to remove the hull and bran. It is faster cooking. Hulled barley is unprocessed and when cooked chewier.
Is barley better than brown rice?
There are a few differences between the two but both are equivalent in protein and fat content and they are healthy choices. Barley is a good source for fiber.
What can I use instead of a gluten grain?
Green lentils is a good choice. It takes about 45 minutes for them to cook and they keep their shape well.
Can I substitute the beef with another meat?
Absolutely! The other day we wanted to make another batch of beef barley soup. We'd invited our son over for lunch the next day. So, we had to stay true to our promise.
Well, as we stood at the meat display case and saw the price of chuck roast we couldn't bring ourselves to pay the high price.
Finally, what caught our eye was the boneless pork loin country style ribs. It was a BOGO (buy one get one) which meant the price was around $1.50 a pound. We grabbed two packages! ( This is a total aside -- we went back the next day and bought two more packages.)
Hearty soups are perfect on those cold blustery days. If you're wanting more soups to feel comfy cozy, try out Italian Meatball Soup with Farfalle Pasta. And a delicious one-pot comfort dish is Fagioli Al Forno made in a Dutch oven then baked.
And the perfect addition to any soup is our jalapeno Jiffy Cornbread muffin recipe. Everyone is simply nuts about this recipe!
More hearty soups to enjoy
- Chili Con Carne with pasta and beans
- Hearty Venison Chili
- Wickedly Good Spicy White Chicken Chili
- Roasted Mushroom Steak Soup With Baby Spinach
These soups or stews will warm you up from the inside out!
Old-Fashioned Hearty Beef Barley Soup Recipe
📖 Recipe
Old-Fashioned Hearty Beef Barley Soup
Ingredients
- 3 pounds beef chuck - blade cut - 2 ¼ pounds ground and ¾ pound diced may sub pork ** see notes below
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 4 medium stalks celery chopped
- 2 medium onions chopped
- 5 cloves garlic chopped
- ¼ cup Italian parsley chopped
- Thyme - 4 sprigs
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 quart Spicy V-8 Juice
- ¼ cup red wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- ¾ cup barley -- not instant ***see notes if gluten intolerant.
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
Stove Top Instructions
- In a Dutch oven or heavy soup pot, over medium-high heat, brown the beef in 1 Tablespoon butter and 1 Tablespoon olive oil. Salt and pepper the meat as it is browning. Once the beef is browned remove it and all the juices and place in a heat proof dish.
- In the Dutch oven melt the remaining butter in the olive oil and sauté the celery and onion until they become soft and translucent. Do not brown. Stir in the garlic; sauté 1 minute.
- Add the parsley, thyme sprigs and bay leaves . Continue to sauté for another minutes.
- Add the beef back into the pot and mix thoroughly. Once all of the ingredients are evenly mixed add the Spicy V-8 Juice, beef broth and red wine. Heat to a low boil, add the barley and let it come to a simmer and cover.
- Continue to cook covered stirring occasionally. Simmer for 4 - 5 hours until meat is tender and barley is done.
- Taste to make sure the salt and pepper is to your taste.
Slow Cooker Instructions
- In a Dutch oven or heavy soup pot, over medium-high heat, brown the beef in 1 Tablespoon butter and 1 Tablespoon olive oil. Salt and pepper the meat as it is browning. Once the beef is browned remove it and all the juices and place in a slow cooker.
- In the Dutch oven melt the remaining butter in the olive oil and sauté the celery and onion until they become soft and translucent. Do not brown. Stir in the garlic; sauté 1 minute.
- Add the parsley, thyme sprigs and bay leaves . Continue to sauté for another minutes.
- Add the ingredients to the beef in the crockpot and mix thoroughly. Once all of the ingredients are evenly mixed add the Spicy V-8 Juice, beef broth and red wine. Heat on high for 1 hour then continue to on low, add the barley and continue for an additional 7 hours.
- Check to make sure the meat is tender and the barley is done. Taste to make sure the salt and pepper is to your taste.
Notes
- If you don't like spicy you can substitute regular V-8 for the spicy.
- You may use boneless country style pork ribs for the meat in the same quantity as the beef.
- If you can't have grains with gluten, sub green lentils for the barley in the same amount.
Nutrition
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Barbara
Great recipe!
Kari Alana
This is such a great modest and tasty recipe that I am going to try it for my family for a mid week dinner.
Tammy
Oh now here is a recipe I've not had in ages...this one brings back lots of memories!! My mom would make this when we were younger and it truly was a comforting meal to come home to. It is such a cozy meal. Looks absolutely marvelous, Marisa!
Anna
Now the weather has took turn for cold and wet, all that I'm craving is comfort meals and warm, filling soups! This one would be just perfect, love that thick and chunky texture!
Kushigalu
Thigh, rich comforting bowl of beef barley soup. Perfect for the weather here. I just love the combination of flavors in this recipe. Thanks for sharing
dishnthekitchen
How delicious! Beef and Barley soup is such a classic and this is exactly how my mom makes it. The perfect cold weather treat.
Kathryn Donangelo
We made this last night and it was so good! Beef barley is one of our favorites and it was delicious! Thank you so much!
Leslie
Dying to try this Old Fashion Beef Barley Soup recipe! I'm drooling over your flavors! It looks divine!
Amanda
This soup was fabulous! I love how thick and rich it turned out, but I was surprised at how little hands-on time it took to prepare. This is the perfect comfort food now that our days are starting to turn a bit chilly!
Leslie Susan Clingan
So grateful to Dee for hosting the soup recipe link-up party. And glad to have discovered your delicious recipe there. Have pinned and will be heading to the grocery for the ingredients. My Prince Charming loves a soup diet when we are trying to get back to our 'fighting' weight. We overindulged to the max over the holidays so soup diet time it is!! This recipe looks so hearty and satisfying.
Dee | Grammy's Grid
Visiting again to say thanks so much for linking up at #AThemedLinkup 8 for Soup Recipes. Pinned.
Susie
Hi MARISA, Who doesn’t love soup, especially, in the cooler months. Dad always enjoyed soup with beef as my father in law. ........Hearty and satisfying. I know what I will be making this week????. Thanks
carolann speier
excellent
Debra
Perfect timing to stumble upon this wholesome recipe. Another snow storm expected this week and I love to have a pot of goodness on the stove for that. I have never made beef and barely soup, but it was one of my husband's favorites growing up and I think it's time I give it a try.
Donna
Oh I haven't had a good beef barley soup in forever. This one certainly sticks to the ribs and offers a big ol' belly full of comfort. Totally agree that slow cooking the beef makes for the best flavor, and separates this from the other quick recipes out there.
Traci
Oh I love beef barley soup! Haven't made it in a very long time and I'm loving your recipe. Adding spicy V8 juice...what a nice surprise with a kick! Never thought of that...brilliant! Great recipe - thank you! 🙂
Trish
Ooooh just looking at these photos makes me feel a bit cozier. I love a good beef barley soup and it makes it that much more special that you can share with your mamma. Total genius to add that V-8 by the way. I would never think of that!
Dana
This reminds me so much of my Dad's homemade soup. Or as we liked to call it, "Stewp". We could never decide if it was a soup or a stew because it was so thick and hearty. This totally has that going on and is perfect for this time of year!
Annissa
What a lovely story about your mother! Soup is the perfect gift for someone who doesn't cook as much. It's like giving love in a jar! This soup looks so delicious that anyone would be grateful to receive it!
Stef
I've never thought of using v-8 in soup. Interesting idea! Way to sneak those veggies into the beef soup. Love the story of stretching out the soup. That's so sweet that she enjoyed it so much!
Carmy
The cold winter has had me craving comfort foods. This old fashioned barley soup is just what I need! It looks so hearty and I have a feeling that it's going to hit the spot.
Annemarie
Being frugal and not wasting anything sounds like my older Italian relatives. There is nothing like coming from a small, poor town in Italy to teach you the value of making things last. 🙂 Though I completely understand your husband! When you've made a beef barley soup as good as fresh as this one, you don't anyone messing with it! Thanks for the great hearty and cozy recipe.
Tina
I agree, its impossible to make a small batch of soup. Your soup looks absolutely delicious and hearty. I have never used spice V8 juice in cooking before, I am really loving this kitchen hack. what else have you used this for? I think it's brilliant. I love that your mother loved your soup so much that she was trying to make it last. That's beautiful. Thanks for sharing your story.
Lois Christensen
I love how thick the soup looks and I really like the addition of V-8! Looks delicious!
Arlene Mobley
I love making a big pot of soup on the weekends. I've had beef barley soup and pork barley soup sounds amazing.
Denise
I love beef and barley soup....well I love most soups but this has become a family favorite. That's cool that you have noted that you can use pork too. I have never tried it but I'm going to next time. Great recipe!
Veena Azmanov
I love how thick and comforting this looks. So rich and wholesome too. This year we have been doing more soups than before. I have never used barley in my cooking but this year I want to try.
Jolina
Awww your mamma reminds me of my grandma. She would do that too and never took anything for granted. And BTW I love how thick and rich this looks. Perfect for the weather we're having!
Lisa
Your Mama and In-Laws are very lucky to have you to cook for them -- and I love that she was stretching the soup to make it last. You might need to make a few more batches and freeze them so there's always some at the ready for last minute lunches and dinners for your Mama. This beef barley soup is so rich and thick with those big chunks of chuck roast (or is it pork - LOL) I think all I'd need is a green salad and a pour of wine to be perfectly content!
Gloria
It has been SOOO cold here. This is exactly the kind of meal we need to warm up with. I HATE shoveling all the snow, and we are getting dumped on again. Having this ready to eat makes things so much better. One of hubby's favourites for sure.
Leah Dawson
Can you add dumplings to this please?
Marisa Franca
Oooh! Now you've got me thinking!!
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness
Soup is essential in the fall months!! This one looks particularly good!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Cathleen. It is certainly great when it's cold.
Natalie
Oh the tasteful barley soup... This recipe reminds me so much of my grandma. I always loved her beef barley soup. But I thing her version didn't include wine. What an interesting flavor twist. I must try your recipe... and show it to my grandma of course.
Catherine
Dear Marisa, your stew is magnificent! What a hearty and comforting winter meal...this is one dish that will bring the family around the table without a doubt. I wish I had a bowl of this right now. Marvelous post dear. XO
Melissa
There really is nothing more comforting to me than a giant bowl of soup in this cool weather, and I love barley! I have never tried to make a beef and barley soup though, how is that possible living in Canada?! You know I will be giving this a try Marissa!
Lauren Vavala
Barely makes soup so much more hearty and I just love the texture it adds! This soup is such a classic - I need to make a big batch soon!
April
I actually like everything old-fashioned. And when it comes to recipes, they are not an exception. On top of that, it is not very often that you see "barley" in the name, so everything above just made this recipe a special one for me - thanks for sharing!
Dan Zehr
Oh how delicious this soup looks. I am very LIKE! Love everything about this recipe! It look so yummy! I want to try it immediately. Wonderful combination of ingredients.
Mahy Elamin
Magnificent soup in cold autumn weather. I like all the ingredients that you used. It's really great. Of course I want to try your recipe. Sounds tasty.
Veena Azmanov
I never cook much with barley, and this really wants me to change that. I love beef soup and this looks hearty and scrumptious. Perfect comfort food for the cooler weather coming in soon.
Gloria
I'm not even showing this to hubby. This is one of his favourites. He will want me to make some TODAY!! We have been having so much rain. This is the perfect meal to take out the chill!!
Karyl Henry
I've never had barley before, but it looks like such a great way to bulk up soup! I'm loving that this soup is easy to make as well. And this soup will be perfect for this colder weather.
Jyothi (Jo)
The soup looks just what you said - hearty and delicious! Totally in love with the recipe. Especially when recipes that are made old fashioned way, the best kind
Noel Lizotte
I can smell this simmering on the stove! I can't wait to try this recipe! So filling and rich!
Natalie
This looks absolutely delicious. My hubby is such a fan of barley stews but honestly I never used beef meat in my stews so I'm really eager to try this recipe.
Kelly | Foodtasia
One of my favorite soups! I bet the spicy V-8 adds a nice burst of flavor. So lovely reading about sharing it with your mamma 🙂
SUes
Ive actually never had beef barley soup before, but this post has me definitely wanting to change that! And your tips are perfect; I can totally see how this soup would be way above average!! Gorgeous photos, too 🙂
Stacey | Food Safety Superhero
This looks so delicious. I make a lot of soup and stews during the winter, so I'm totally going to be adding this to my lineup. YUMMERS! Thanks so much for hanging out with us at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty
Marisa Franca
Hi, Stacey! Thank you!
Amy
Looks delicious! Pinning!
Health
wow! very nice i like the photos you shared its amazing.
Claudia Lamascolo
what a marvelous comfort soup. I love barley in soups and the thickness its gives Almost like a stew and soup together. This really will be great here in a few more weeks in Florida thanks Marisa
Ciao Chow Linda
What a sweet story about your mom. And your beef barley soup looks so darn delicious and inviting. I'll be remembering this one for colder days.
Karyn
Oh my the minute I seen this post I had a "taste memory". I was right back in my Nanny's kitchen. She made a soup like this with shin beef and barley. It looked forward to having this at least twice a month during the winter months. It's time I made it for my kids
Dee | Grammy's Grid
YUM! I can just smell it. Shared x 4 ♥
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Dee! Sending a big hug!!
Amy Treasure
You just can't beat a dish like this. It's the sort of thing my mum used to make!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Amy! This type of recipe goes waaaay back.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Amy! This is one of those soups that have withstood the test of time. Have a great Sunday!
anne
That soup looks so delicious and comforting. I will be making this as soon as the weather cools down!
Marisa Franca
I know you'll enjoy it, Anne!
Heather
Talk about a beautiful soup! Love the story about mom <3 and this recipe is to die for! Super hearty and perfect flavor combination!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Heather. We're ready for another batch but we have another super soup we've never tried coming up.
Michele
Marissa, I LOVE a good beef barley soup. This recipe looks amazing with those big chunks of beef peeking out. Yum!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Michele. We can't make the soup with our folks coming into our thoughts.
Claire | The Simple, Sweet Life
My husband is all about hearty stews so I bet this would be a real treat for him! I'll have to make it once things start to cool off around here.
Marisa Franca
This soup does seem to be a real winner with the gentlemen. I'm sure he'll appreciate it, Claire.
Jenni LeBaron
It's been so long since I've has a hearty barley stew like this. It reminds me of something my mom would make as a child. Such good, warm comfort food. This recipe looks like a total winner to me!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Jenni! This is a mom soup.
Sri Mallya
Hearty, Comforting bowl of soup. Totally in love with the recipe and just can't wait to try once the weather gets cooler. Thank you so much for sharing.
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Sri! We love sharing good food and recipes.
Ruchi
This soup combines a lot of great warm comforting flavors to satisfy heart and soul on a cold day. Adding it to my favorite soup list.
Marisa Franca
We know you'll enjoy it, Ruchi!
Sharon
I can't wait to make a big pot of this once the weather turns a little cooler. It looks so good.
Marisa Franca
It really is good, Sharon! It's perfect in the cool weather.
Jyothi (Jo)
Soups are for all year long. This looks like a hearty, comforting bowl of soup.
Marisa Franca
Well, to tell you the truth, Jo. We enjoy soups year round.
Amanda Mason
What a cute story about your mom!! Of course you're going to make her more!! Ok now I'm dying to make this soup! I'm the kind of girl that eats soup all year long and this one sounds right up my alley!
Marisa Franca
Hello, Amanda! Well, we agree with you -- soup is great year round.
Kelly Anthony
Holy crumbs! I love how thick and heart this soup looks! Never made it before, totally want to now!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Kelly!! It is delicious and we love it thick. If you prefer a thinner soup just add beef broth to it, but I don't think you'll want to.????
Marisa Franca
Hi, Kelly!! I know you'll love the soup. It is so good!!
Ashley - Forking Up
I am loving all the fall soups coming out lately! So tasty and warm and comforting 🙂 This one looks especially tasty!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Ashley! Soup certainly warms the tummy and the soul -- comfort food at its best.xoxo
Kylee from Kylee Cooks
I can't WAIT til it cools off around here and I can indulge in all of the winter warmness of soups like this one! Looks amazing!!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Kylee. From the sounds of things, it looks like we're going to get the cooler weather before we know it.
Manila Spoon
Can you believe I have never had barley soup? Since the chilly weather will sneak up on us soon I better put this delicious soup on my must-try list!!
Marisa Franca
It certainly is a big bowl of comfort. I hope you do try it -- it's a classic in our house.
Veena Azmanov
Marisa this so reminds me of my mama's beef soup. The only time I ever ate barley was when mom cooked it. Other than that.. No thank you! have not clue why. I need to add it in our family diet. Sounds delicious. can't wait to try this recipe.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Veena! I know what you mean about it not coming first and foremost in your mind. But we started making it once my mamma did not make her own after my papà died. She thought ours was better. I have a story about that for some other time. Have a great evening.
valmg @ From Val's Kitchen
That sound looks like it belongs in a restaurant. Beef barley is one of the soups I remember enjoying from early childhood, it's so comforting.
Marisa Franca
You're right, Val. It does come from my childhood and my Hubby's as well. It takes us back to when we would come in from the cold and enjoy a hot bowl.
Helene D'Souza
Oh wow that looks like a wonderful hearty stew, which we would enjoy to the fullest in my house. Especially now in the rainy season. ☺️
Marisa Franca
Hi, Helene! Thank you, it is good. One of our old stand-bys. xoxo
Andrea The Petite Cook
I often add barley to my soups, it's hearty and full of nutrients! Your soup looks delicious, cant wait to try it this winter 🙂
Marisa Franca
Hi, Andrea! I agree! Barley is so good for you and it's just the thing for comfort!
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy
Well soup season is just around the corner....and this is one of hubby's favourites. I would have to make a HUGE batch...as I know my daughter would more than welcome some too.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Gloria! Our whole family loves the taste of barley. It's an easy soup to make without a lot of ingredients. Hope you had a great weekend.
Deepika
This soup looks so comforting. I have never worked with Barley before. I will look for it when I am at the store next time.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Deepika! Once you use it you'll like the texture it gives soup. Plus it's good for you.
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh
This soup looks so good! I am so ready for cooler weather so that I can enjoy a great bowl of soup like this one.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Joanna! One consolation for the cooler weather is that you can enjoy some hot soup. xoxo
nicole (thespicetrain.com)
Oh this soup looks so inviting, I love the beautiful shiny surface! Makes me want to reach for the spoon through the screen. 🙂
Rosemary @anitalianinmykitchen
Sounds delicious as always Marisa, wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas. Buon Natale.
Marisa Franca
Same to you Rosemary!
Chiara
Here in Trieste there is fog and humidity, this soup is a very comfort food! Dear Marisa have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year ! Un abbraccio
Marisa Franca
Chiara, mia amica, Buon Natale e anche un Felice Anno Nuovo.Volessi mandarti un piatto di minestra. Un abbraccio grosso!
Ciao Chow Linda
What a sweet story and delicious recipe too. You have me wanting to rush to the store for ingredients to make this wonderfully comforting soup.
Marisa Franca
This will be a perfect recipe after the indulgences of Christmas and that beautiful pandoro you made!!
Jovina Coughlin
One of my favorite soups and I love how you make it. A wonderful meal all on its own. Will definitely make this in January.
Merry Christmas,
Marisa Franca
Thank you Jovina -- it is perfect on a cold winter day. Merry Christmas to you too.