Are you craving a warm, comforting bowl of goodness that's both delicious and nutritious? Look no further! This beef barley soup recipe with ground beef is the perfect solution for a quick, easy, and healthy weeknight dinner. Packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, this homemade classic is sure to become a family favorite. It's one of those best recipes that's surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1 cup barley
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup.
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Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Using ground beef makes this a quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Combine ingredients: Pour in the beef broth, add the barley, diced tomatoes, thyme, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil.
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Simmer to perfection: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 45 minutes, or until the barley is tender. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become. This is where the magic of homemade cooking truly shines.
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Serve and enjoy: Once the barley is cooked through, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. This healthy meal is perfect on its own, or you can serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Cooking Tips for the Best Beef Barley Soup:
- For a richer flavor: Use bone-in beef broth instead of low-sodium broth.
- Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, mushrooms, or green beans.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! It's perfect for meal prepping.
Variations:
- Chicken Barley Soup: Substitute ground chicken for ground beef and use chicken broth instead of beef broth.
- Vegetarian Barley Soup: Omit the ground beef and add more vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth for a completely vegetarian option.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 20-25 grams
- Fiber: Approximately 5-7 grams
This easy recipe is a great example of healthy meals you can whip up without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a delicious dish perfect for chilly evenings and a wonderful addition to your collection of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy!