Craving a comforting, flavorful, and healthy meal that won't keep you in the kitchen all day? Look no further! This ground beef barley soup recipe is the perfect answer for busy weeknights. It's packed with wholesome ingredients, bursting with delicious flavors, and surprisingly easy to make. Get ready to experience the ultimate in homemade cooking – a truly delicious dish the whole family will love. This quick dinner idea is also perfect for meal prepping – making it a fantastic option for healthy meals throughout the week.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
- 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:
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Pour in the beef broth, add the barley, diced tomatoes, thyme, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 45 minutes, or until the barley is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the barley is cooked through, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy this satisfying and easy recipe!
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use bone-in beef broth or add a bay leaf during simmering. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced potatoes, green beans, or mushrooms.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.
- Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Fiber: 5-7g
This easy ground beef barley soup recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. It’s a perfect example of delicious dishes achievable with simple ingredients and minimal effort. Enjoy the comforting warmth and satisfying flavors of this homemade cooking masterpiece!