Beef Barley Soup

Hearty, beefy, cold-weather comfort

Prep: Cook: Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

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  • 1½ lbs beef chuck, cubed
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery ribs, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 8 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups water
  • ¾ cup pearl barley
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 2 tbsp parsley

Instructions

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  1. Brown beef in batches in oil, about per batch.
  2. Cook onion, carrots, celery until softened, .
  3. Add garlic and tomato paste, cook .
  4. Add broth, water, barley, bay leaves, thyme. Return beef.
  5. Simmer covered until beef and barley are tender, 1¼ hours.
  6. Remove bay leaves, stir in parsley. Season to taste.

Notes

  • Don't skip browning the beef - builds the flavor base.
  • Add more broth when reheating - barley absorbs liquid.

America's Test Kitchen (ATK Lab-Tested)