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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Incorporate crushed garlic, parsley, oregano, and thyme. Briefly toast the herbs for approximately one minute, releasing their aromatic essence without risking bitter garlic notes.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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