Description
This hearty, comforting soup is packed with tender beef, wholesome barley, and flavorful vegetables. Slow-simmered to perfection, it’s the ultimate cozy meal for chilly days!
Ingredients
Scale
Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting soup:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2–3 lbs chuck roast
- 2 carrots, sliced into thin rounds
- 2 stalks celery, sliced thinly
- 1 medium onion, chopped finely
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground thyme
- 6 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 bay leaf
- 2/3 cup medium barley
- 1 can (14.5 oz) corn, drained
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: In a Dutch oven or large stockpot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chuck roast and sear on all sides until browned. Remove the beef and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the carrots, celery, and onion. Cook for 4-5 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in the crushed garlic, parsley, oregano, and thyme, and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Simmer the Soup: Return the seared beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, and bay leaf. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
- Add Barley and Corn: Stir in the barley and drained corn. Cover and simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
- Finish Cooking: Remove the lid and simmer for another 15 minutes to thicken the soup slightly.
- Prepare the Beef: Remove the beef from the pot and trim away any gristle or fat. Cut or shred the beef into bite-sized pieces and return it to the soup.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use homemade beef broth instead of store-bought.
- If you don’t have barley, substitute with another grain like farro or rice.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American