Ground Beef and Barley Soup is a hearty and nourishing dish that’s perfect for warming up on a chilly day. This soup combines tender ground beef, wholesome barley, and an array of vegetables simmered in a savory broth. The barley adds a wonderful texture and makes the soup filling enough to be a complete meal on its own. Rich in flavor and easy to prepare, this comforting soup is ideal for both lunch and dinner, offering a satisfying and wholesome option for any day of the week.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup pearl barley
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot with the ground beef. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the tomatoes and broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, pearl barley, dried thyme, dried basil, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. Cover and let the soup simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the barley is tender.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Enjoy your Ground Beef and Barley Soup as a filling, flavorful meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in!
