The Pioneer Woman’s Hearty Beef Barley Soup Recipe for Cozy Days

Chilly evenings call for a hearty beef barley soup that warms you from the inside out.

This Pioneer Woman beef barley soup recipe brings comfort straight to your kitchen with its rich, savory flavors.

Tender chunks of beef mingle with plump barley pearls, creating a robust and satisfying meal.

Slow-simmered to perfection, the soup develops deep, complex notes that remind you of home-cooked goodness.

Each spoonful promises a delightful blend of wholesome ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.

The aroma alone will have everyone gathering around the table, eager to taste this classic comfort dish.

Prepare to be transported to a cozy kitchen where every bite tells a story of warmth and nourishment.

Why Fans Love Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup

• Every step in this recipe builds delicious depth, from searing beef to slowly simmering ingredients, creating a rich, complex taste profile that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
• This hearty soup packs incredible nutrition with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and nutritious barley, making it a complete meal that warms you from the inside out and satisfies hunger completely.
• Despite looking impressive, the recipe follows straightforward steps anyone can master, requiring minimal cooking skills and basic kitchen equipment while delivering restaurant-quality results that'll wow family and friends.
• Perfect for batch cooking, this soup stores wonderfully in the refrigerator, reheats beautifully, and tastes even better the next day, giving busy home cooks a delicious make-ahead meal solution that saves time and energy.

Inside The Ingredients For Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup

• Chuck Roast: A flavorful and tender cut of beef perfect for slow-cooking and creating rich soup textures.

• Carrots, Celery, Onion: A classic trio of vegetables that provide a aromatic and savory base for the soup.
• Corn: A sweet kernel that adds a pop of freshness and mild sweetness to the soup.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that enhances the overall depth of flavor in the dish.

• Parsley, Oregano, Thyme: A blend of herbs that contribute a complex and earthy flavor profile to the soup.
• Bay Leaf: An aromatic herb that adds a subtle, sophisticated background note to the broth.

• Beef Broth: A rich liquid that forms the foundation of the soup's flavor and provides moisture.
• Diced Tomatoes: A tangy and slightly acidic ingredient that adds brightness to the soup.
• Barley: A hearty grain that provides texture and makes the soup more substantial.

• Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil used for searing the meat and sautéing the vegetables.

Simple Guide To Cooking Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Carefully place chuck roast into the hot oil and sear each side until a deep golden color develops.

Once beautifully browned, transfer the meat to a separate plate.

Step 2: Prepare Vegetable Base

• Carrots
• Celery
• Onions

Cook these vegetables for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing them to soften and absorb the delicious meat drippings.

Step 3: Infuse Aromatic Herbs

• Crushed garlic
• Fresh parsley
• Oregano
• Thyme

Let the herbs release their fragrant oils for about one minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Create Hearty Liquid Foundation

• Beef broth
• Diced tomatoes with juice
• Bay leaf

Return the seared beef to the pot.

Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 1.5 hours to develop rich flavors and tenderize the meat.

Step 5: Incorporate Grains and Corn

Stir in barley and drained corn.

Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes until barley becomes soft and tender.

Step 6: Finalize and Shred Meat

Uncover the pot and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes to slightly thicken.

Remove beef, trim fat, and cut into bite-sized pieces.

Return meat to the pot and mix thoroughly.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Ladle the piping hot soup into bowls.

Pair with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.

Smart Advice For Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup

• Sear the chuck roast slowly to develop a rich, deep taste that infuses the entire soup with incredible depth.
• Watch the garlic carefully during sautéing, stirring constantly to avoid bitter flavors and ensure a perfect aromatic base.
• Allow the beef to simmer slowly for 1.5 hours, which breaks down tough fibers and creates melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Consider adding extra vegetables like diced zucchini or spinach to increase the soup's nutritional value and provide more texture.
• Adjust the soup's thickness by adding more broth if it becomes too dense or simmering longer to reduce and concentrate flavors.

Keep Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup Fresh Longer

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing.
• Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing corn for best texture.
• Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until temperature reaches 165°F.
• Pour soup into a pot. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth if the soup looks too thick. Heat until steaming and reaching 165°F internal temperature.

Great Pairings With Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup

• Pair Hearty Red Wine: Select a robust red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec that complements the rich beef flavor and stands up to the soup's deep, savory profile.
• Create Rustic Bread Companion: Serve with a crusty sourdough or whole grain bread to soak up the delicious broth, adding textural contrast and enhancing the meal's warmth.
• Match Tangy Side Salad: Prepare a crisp green salad with vinaigrette dressing to cut through the soup's richness and provide a fresh, light counterpoint to the hearty main dish.
• Elevate with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives just before serving to brighten the flavor and add a pop of color to the comforting soup.

Alternate Versions Of Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup

• Gluten-Free Barley Swap: Replace barley with quinoa or rice for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the hearty texture and nutritional value.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Substitute chuck roast with firm tofu, seitan, or portobello mushrooms to create a plant-based protein-rich alternative that keeps the soup's robust flavors.
• Low-Sodium Wellness Option: Use low-sodium beef broth and skip added salt, incorporating fresh herbs like rosemary and sage to enhance taste without increasing sodium content.
• Slow Cooker Convenience: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after initial searing and sautéing, allowing the soup to develop deep flavors over 6-8 hours on low setting for hands-off cooking.

FAQs

• What makes barley special in this soup?

Barley adds a hearty, nutty texture and helps thicken the soup naturally. It’s a whole grain that provides extra fiber and nutrients, making the soup more filling and nutritious.

• Can I use a different cut of beef?

Chuck roast works best because it’s a tough cut that becomes incredibly tender with slow cooking. If unavailable, try beef stew meat or short ribs as alternatives. These cuts have enough fat and connective tissue to create rich, deep flavor.

• How do I know when the beef is properly seared?

The beef should have a deep golden-brown crust with visible caramelization. This process takes about 3-4 minutes per side and develops intense flavor through the Maillard reaction. Don’t move the meat too much while searing to achieve a good crust.

• Is this soup good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months. The flavors actually improve after a day or two in the refrigerator, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for busy weeks.

Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Pioneer Woman beef barley soup delivers comfort straight from rustic kitchen traditions. Wholesome ingredients blend perfectly, creating a rich, warming meal you’ll savor with each satisfying spoonful.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2 to 3 lbs chuck roast

Vegetables and Grains:

• 2 carrots, sliced thinly into rounds
• 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 crushed garlic cloves
• 2/3 cup medium barley
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can corn, drained

Liquid and Seasonings:

• 6 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon ground thyme

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Elevate the flavor profile by heating vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Meticulously sear the chuck roast on all surfaces until achieving a rich, golden-brown crust, creating a robust foundation of flavor.
2. Utilize the same pot to introduce diced carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, allowing vegetables to soften and absorb the delectable browned beef remnants.
3. Incorporate crushed garlic, parsley, oregano, and thyme. Briefly toast the herbs for approximately one minute, releasing their aromatic essence without risking bitter garlic notes.
4. Construct the liquid base by combining beef broth, diced tomatoes with their natural juices, and a bay leaf. Reintroduce the seared beef to the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and slow-cook for 1.5 hours at low heat, ensuring meat becomes fork-tender and flavors meld harmoniously.
5. Integrate pearl barley and drained corn kernels after the initial cooking period. Stir thoroughly, cover, and continue simmering for an additional 30 minutes until barley reaches perfect tenderness.
6. Reduce liquid by uncovering the pot and allowing the soup to simmer for 15 minutes. Carefully remove beef, trim excess fat, and slice into appetizing bite-sized pieces. Return meat to the pot and blend ingredients seamlessly.
7. Present the steaming soup in warm bowls, offering a comforting accompaniment of crusty bread or a crisp side salad for a complete dining experience.

Notes

• Choose a well-marbled chuck roast for maximum tenderness and rich flavor that melts in your mouth during slow cooking.
• Brown the meat thoroughly to develop a deep, complex flavor foundation that elevates the entire soup’s taste profile.
• Use fresh herbs if possible, as they provide more vibrant and intense aromatics compared to dried alternatives.
• Patience is key – the extended simmering time allows meat to become incredibly tender and helps ingredients meld together beautifully.
• Substitute barley with quinoa or rice for those with gluten sensitivities, maintaining similar texture and nutritional value.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg