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.
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.)
The meat in the soup is so tender it melts in your mouth. Amazing!! The flavor is wonderful – we certainly didn’t miss the beef.
So, if you find yourself craving a hearty beef barley stew and you don’t have the beef for it, see if you can find some good pork.
Serve this soup with some hot bread and a side salad — you’ll have a completely satisfying meal. Oh, a little glass of red wine on the side wouldn’t be bad either.😁
More hearty chilis to enjoy
These soups or stews will warm you up from the inside out!
Tutti a tavola è pronto!
Un caro saluto e alla prossima.
YOU MAY NEED . . .
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This is the spicy tomato juice that we use all the time. It has just the right amount of seasoning and heat that we like in our soups.
Old-Fashioned Hearty Beef Barley Soup Recipe
This hearty soup is perfect. Thick almost like a beef barley stew, and spicy just like you’d want. This is the type of comfort soup that makes you anxious to get home so you can savor a warm, satisfying bowl. Serve a small bowl or cup as a first course or a larger portion as the main dish for dinner. It keeps well in the refrigerator and tastes even better the following day.
If you like this recipe, please give it a five-star rating.
Old-Fashioned Hearty Beef Barley Soup
Ingredients
- 3 pounds beef chuck - blade cut - 2 1/4 pounds ground and 3/4 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
- 1/4 cup Italian parsley chopped
- Thyme - 4 sprigs
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 quart Spicy V-8 Juice
- 1/4 cup red wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 3/4 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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Susie says
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 says
excellent
Debra says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
I love how thick the soup looks and I really like the addition of V-8! Looks delicious!
Arlene Mobley says
I love making a big pot of soup on the weekends. I’ve had beef barley soup and pork barley soup sounds amazing.
Denise says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
Can you add dumplings to this please?
Marisa Franca says
Oooh! Now you’ve got me thinking!!
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness says
Soup is essential in the fall months!! This one looks particularly good!
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Cathleen. It is certainly great when it’s cold.
Natalie says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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) says
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 says
I can smell this simmering on the stove! I can’t wait to try this recipe! So filling and rich!
Natalie says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
Hi, Stacey! Thank you!
Amy says
Looks delicious! Pinning!
Health says
wow! very nice i like the photos you shared its amazing.
Claudia Lamascolo says
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 says
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 says
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 says
YUM! I can just smell it. Shared x 4 ♥
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Dee! Sending a big hug!!
Amy Treasure says
You just can’t beat a dish like this. It’s the sort of thing my mum used to make!
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Amy! This type of recipe goes waaaay back.
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Amy! This is one of those soups that have withstood the test of time. Have a great Sunday!
anne says
That soup looks so delicious and comforting. I will be making this as soon as the weather cools down!
Marisa Franca says
I know you’ll enjoy it, Anne!
Heather says
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 says
Thank you, Heather. We’re ready for another batch but we have another super soup we’ve never tried coming up.
Michele says
Marissa, I LOVE a good beef barley soup. This recipe looks amazing with those big chunks of beef peeking out. Yum!
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Michele. We can’t make the soup with our folks coming into our thoughts.
Claire | The Simple, Sweet Life says
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 says
This soup does seem to be a real winner with the gentlemen. I’m sure he’ll appreciate it, Claire.
Jenni LeBaron says
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 says
Thank you, Jenni! This is a mom soup.
Sri Mallya says
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 says
Thank you, Sri! We love sharing good food and recipes.
Ruchi says
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 says
We know you’ll enjoy it, Ruchi!
Sharon says
I can’t wait to make a big pot of this once the weather turns a little cooler. It looks so good.
Marisa Franca says
It really is good, Sharon! It’s perfect in the cool weather.
Jyothi (Jo) says
Soups are for all year long. This looks like a hearty, comforting bowl of soup.
Marisa Franca says
Well, to tell you the truth, Jo. We enjoy soups year round.
Amanda Mason says
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 says
Hello, Amanda! Well, we agree with you — soup is great year round.
Kelly Anthony says
Holy crumbs! I love how thick and heart this soup looks! Never made it before, totally want to now!
Marisa Franca says
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 says
Hi, Kelly!! I know you’ll love the soup. It is so good!!
Ashley - Forking Up says
I am loving all the fall soups coming out lately! So tasty and warm and comforting 🙂 This one looks especially tasty!
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Ashley! Soup certainly warms the tummy and the soul — comfort food at its best.xoxo
Kylee from Kylee Cooks says
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 says
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 says
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 says
It certainly is a big bowl of comfort. I hope you do try it — it’s a classic in our house.
Veena Azmanov says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
Hi, Helene! Thank you, it is good. One of our old stand-bys. xoxo
Andrea The Petite Cook says
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 says
Hi, Andrea! I agree! Barley is so good for you and it’s just the thing for comfort!
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says
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 says
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 says
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 says
Hi, Deepika! Once you use it you’ll like the texture it gives soup. Plus it’s good for you.
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says
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 says
Hi, Joanna! One consolation for the cooler weather is that you can enjoy some hot soup. xoxo
nicole (thespicetrain.com) says
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 says
Sounds delicious as always Marisa, wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas. Buon Natale.
Marisa Franca says
Same to you Rosemary!
Chiara says
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 says
Chiara, mia amica, Buon Natale e anche un Felice Anno Nuovo.Volessi mandarti un piatto di minestra. Un abbraccio grosso!
Ciao Chow Linda says
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 says
This will be a perfect recipe after the indulgences of Christmas and that beautiful pandoro you made!!
Jovina Coughlin says
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 says
Thank you Jovina — it is perfect on a cold winter day. Merry Christmas to you too.