Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup Recipe

Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup is a hearty meal that brings together tender beef, wholesome barley, and fresh vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth.

One trick I always use is to brown the beef well before adding it to the soup, as this step enhances the depth of flavor in the final dish.

You’ll love how the barley adds a robust texture and absorbs all the rich flavors.

Don’t forget to season the soup generously, as each layer of seasoning will boost the overall taste!

How to Make Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup

Ingredients

• 1 lb Beef (cubed)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 Onion (chopped)
• 3 Carrots (sliced)
• 3 Celery Stalks (chopped)
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 6 cups Beef Broth
• 1 can Tomatoes (28 oz.)
• 1 cup Barley
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
• 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

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

Add the beef cubes, browning them on all sides.

Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside.

Step 2:

In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and add chopped onion, carrots, and celery.

Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 3:

Pour in beef broth and canned tomatoes with their juice.

Return the beef to the pot and add barley, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.

Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 4:

Reduce the heat to low.

Cover the pot and simmer for about 1.5 hours until the beef and barley are tender.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5:

Remove bay leaves before serving.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Serve hot.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Tender Beef Magic

If you want the beef to melt in your mouth, consider marinating it for a few hours with some olive oil, salt, and pepper before you start cooking.

Soup Storage

The soup tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make it in advance and refrigerate it for at least a day.

Broth Boost

For an extra flavor punch, substitute one cup of the beef broth with a cup of dry red wine which enhances the richness of the stew.

Vegetable Variations

Add sliced mushrooms or peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking for more texture and flavor variety.

Thick or Thin

Adjust the thickness by adding more broth or water if you prefer a thinner soup, or let it simmer longer to reduce if you like it thicker.

Enjoy the process, and remember, cooking should be fun!

What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup

Crusty Bread

One of the classic side dishes that pairs wonderfully with beef barley soup is some crusty bread.

I suggest a warm, fresh-baked loaf to soak up the rich and flavorful broth.

The contrast between the crispy crust and the tender crumb is just perfect!

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

For a comforting twist, consider serving a gooey grilled cheese sandwich alongside your soup.

This combination can be a hit on a chilly day when you want something warm and filling.

Use your favorite cheese to add a luscious melted layer to each bite!

Pear Salad with Walnuts

A refreshing and tangy pear salad with walnuts and maybe some Gorgonzola cheese can be an unexpected yet delicious accompaniment.

The sweetness and crunch of the pears balance the savory notes of the soup beautifully.

Try drizzling a light vinaigrette dressing for extra flavor.

Fried Paneer Pakora

For a vegetarian-friendly option, fried paneer pakora can add a wonderfully rich and crispy texture.

These little bites offer an exciting contrast to the rich beef barley soup, and they’re sure to be a conversation starter at the table!

Steamed Vegetables

Simple yet effective, steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans make for a nutritious and colorful side dish.

This pairing is perfect if you’re looking to add a bit of greenery and balance to your meal.

The fresh taste of the vegetables complements the hearty soup perfectly.

Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to make Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup your own with some exciting variations.

You can try using chicken instead of beef for a lighter twist.

If you’re out of beef broth, vegetable broth works just fine.

Adding Vegetables

For veggie lovers, add more vegetables like mushrooms or peas.

This adds texture and additional flavors to your meal.

Consider swapping carrots for sweet potatoes to introduce a bit of sweetness.

Grain Alternatives

If barley isn’t your thing, try using quinoa or rice as tasty substitutes.

These grains provide different textures and nutritional benefits.

Herbs and Spices

Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary to change the flavor profile.

These herbs pair wonderfully with beef and enhance the soup.

Don’t hesitate to increase the garlic for a more intense depth of flavor.

Alcohol-Free Options

Red wine can be omitted if you prefer alcohol-free cooking.

A splash of grape juice adds a subtle sweetness in its place.

These adjustments allow you to tailor the soup to your preferences without compromising taste.

How to Store Leftover Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup

Storing leftover Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup is simple and keeps the flavors fresh for days.

To store your soup in the fridge, you should use an airtight container.

In the fridge, the beef barley soup will stay good for up to 3 days.

Freezing is a great option if you want to keep it for longer.

Freezing

Pour the soup into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top.

This allows for any expansion as it freezes.

Seal tightly to keep flavors and moisture intact.

You can store it in the freezer for 2-3 months with no issue!

Thawing

When you’re ready to eat, move the container from the freezer to the fridge.

Allow it to thaw overnight for the best results.

Alternatively, you can thaw it on the counter for a few hours if you’re in a rush.

Make sure it’s fully thawed before reheating for the perfect taste.

Tips for Containers

Glass containers work well to prevent any odors from seeping in or out.

They’re also great because you can reheat the soup directly without switching containers.

Use smaller containers or portion-sized ones if you want ready-to-eat servings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the Searing Step

You may be tempted to skip searing the beef to save time, but don’t do it!

Searing adds a rich layer of flavor to the soup that simply can’t be achieved otherwise.

Take a few extra minutes to brown those beef pieces!

Overcooking the Vegetables

Cooking the vegetables for too long can leave them mushy and flavorless.

Aim for a tender-crisp texture by keeping an eye on your cooking times and adjusting as necessary.

Choosing the Wrong Grains

Barley absorbs a lot of liquid and becomes tender, so be cautious when swapping it with other grains.

If you want a gluten-free option, try quinoa or rice, but adjust the cooking times accordingly to avoid undercooked grains.