This Easy Beef and Barley Soup Is My Go-To Winter Dinner

Beef and barley soup is a classic, hearty soup made with ground beef, pearl barley, vegetables, and simple herbs simmered in a rich broth. When the weather turns cold, this cozy beef barley soup is the kind of meal that quietly fills the house with good smells and ends the day on a warm, satisfying note.

It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and one of those reliable recipes you’ll find yourself coming back to all winter long. If you’re looking for a classic homemade beef and barley soup recipe that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, this one has become a regular in our kitchen.

We pair this with some freshly made bread using our Easy Soft Bread Recipe and our kids devour this every time we make it.

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Why This Beef and Barley Soup Recipe Works Every Time

This beef and barley soup recipe works because it uses simple ingredients, builds flavor in layers, and relies on pearl barley to naturally thicken the broth as it simmers. Ground beef keeps it affordable and hearty, while classic vegetables and herbs create a comforting, well-balanced soup that’s easy to make and hard to mess up.

This beef and barley soup costs roughly $15 to make and yields about 12 servings, making it an affordable, filling meal for families or meal prep. There are a lot of beef barley soup recipes out there, but this one checks all the right boxes:

• Full recipe can be made from start to finish in about an hour.
• Made with ground beef, which is affordable and easy to find
• Pearl barley adds thickness, nutrition, and a comforting texture
• Simple pantry herbs for flavor (no complicated seasoning blends)
• Makes 12 generous servings, perfect for leftovers or freezing

This is a true one-pot, no-nonsense soup that delivers every time.

Ingredients for Beef and Barley Soup

Main Ingredients

• 1-2 lbs ground beef (1 pound is good, add 2 pounds to add more protein)
• 12 cups beef broth
• 2 onions, diced
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 4 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp thyme
• 1 tsp rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 1 tsp salt and pepper (or to taste)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Optional Ingredients

• Frozen corn (adds sweetness and extra texture)
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes for heat

How to Make Beef and Barley Soup (Step-By-Step)

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked and slightly crisp. This step builds flavor, so don’t rush it.

Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Mirepoix

Add the olive oil to the same pot. Add the onions, carrots, and celery and cook until just tender, about 5–7 minutes.

You want them softened, not mushy.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Tomato Paste

Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant. This helps deepen the flavor of the soup.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the cooked beef to the pot. Add the thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, crushed red pepper flakes, and frozen corn (if using).

Pour in the broth and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Add Barley and Simmer

Stir in the pearl barley and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the barley is tender.

Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Tips for the Best Beef and Barley Soup

• Brown the beef well for deeper flavor
• Don’t skip the tomato paste, it adds richness without making it “tomato soup”
• Season lightly at first and adjust near the end
• Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture
• Add a splash of your favorite hot sauce when serving. We use our Fermented Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce Recipe and it adds another level to the soup.

Can You Freeze Beef and Barley Soup?

Yes, this soup freezes very well.

Freezing Tips:

• Let the soup cool completely
• Freeze in individual portions for easy meals
• Store for up to 3 months

Because barley continues to absorb liquid, this soup may thicken after freezing. Simply add a splash of broth or water when reheating to bring it back to the perfect consistency. Or if you know you’ll be freezing a portion, remove what you want to freeze before adding the barley.

Then to reheat, simply thaw, add the barley, and simmer for 30 minutes until the barley is tender.

What to Serve With Beef and Barley Soup

This is a filling soup on its own, but it pairs well with:

• Simple Crusty bread or homemade biscuits
• A simple side salad
• Buttered toast or garlic bread

It’s also a great “next-day lunch” soup that reheats beautifully. We make a lot of soups this time of year, including this Easy Leftover Turkey Soup with Orzo and Barley Recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beef and Barley Soup

Can I use beef broth or chicken broth?

Yes. Beef broth adds deeper flavor, but chicken broth works just fine and keeps the soup lighter.

Can I make beef and barley soup in a slow cooker?

Yes. Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours.

Can I use pot barley instead of pearl barley?

You can, but pot barley takes longer to cook and has a chewier texture. Pearl barley works best for this recipe.

Can I make this soup spicier?

Absolutely. Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne or your favorite hot sauce.

How long does beef and barley soup last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, it will last 3–4 days in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts on This Beef and Barley Soup Recipe

This beef and barley soup is one of those recipes that just makes sense to keep in your rotation. It’s filling, comforting, and made with ingredients most of us already have on hand. Whether you’re cooking for your family, stocking the freezer, or just looking for an easy soup that actually satisfies, this one delivers every time.

If you give this beef barley soup a try, let us know in the comments how you make it your own. Do you add extra vegetables, spice it up, or serve it with something special on the side? Those little tweaks often help other readers get even better results. Make sure you check out the other recipes, as well as our growing guides, medicinal herb hub, and seed saving guides. We are growing our website with more articles all the time, and we invite you to grow with us.