The Best Beef Barley Soup

         I get so excited when I think of the cooler months coming. I know, you all probably think I am weird! Seriously though, I love soup, all soups and I am not afraid to say so. I am constantly wracking my brain to think of all the possibilities there are. There is not enough time in a day for me to list them all down. So, you guys will get delicious soup recipes whenever I think of them.

I have a huge list that is still growing, on top of the fact that I am always trying new recipes out too, to see if they are worth sharing with you. Sometimes they are, other times, I toss them into the garbage and start over.

            Today I have the best beef barley soup there is available. There are restaurants that claim that they make the best. Trust me, this is not the truth! The recipe you are about to see is the best!!

I generally serve this with a crusty loaf of bread. Oh, man, the taste of the bread soaked with the beef broth is absolute heaven!

Frequently Asked Questions:

            What is the best beef to use for this soup?

I check out the refrigerator for any leftover beef meals from a night or two before. I prefer to use leftover roast, or leftover steak. However, I have been known to use meatloaf or I will cook up some ground beef to use.

            What bread do you use that is crusty enough for this?

I do prefer hard rolls, but a good loaf of toasted french bread is just as good.

            Which type of barley should I use?

There are a few different types of barley. The one that I use for this recipe is Pearl Barley.

What do you need to make The Best Beef Barley Soup

            1 package beef gravy mix

            2 cups cooked beef

            1 tbsp olive oil

            2 carrots, peeled and sliced

            1 onion diced

            1 garlic clove, minced

            2 sticks of celery, cliced

            6 cups of reduced sodium beef broth

            1 can petite diced tomatoes

            ½ green pepper

            1 bay leaf

            ½ tsp dried thyme

            2 tbsp fresh parsley

            2 tbsp Red Wine

            ⅔ cup pearl barley

            Salt and pepper to taste

How to make The Best Beef Barley Soup

FIRST STEP:

Cook the onions and garlic in olive oil in a skillet on medium heat

In a large stock pot, add the remaining ingredients then add in the garlic and onions

SECOND STEP:

Bring to a boil

Once it comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer with a cover on, for 45 minutes

THIRD STEP:

Check to see if the barley is cooked, if not, cook an additional 10 to 20 minutes.

Remove the bay leaf and serve

Enjoy!

Notes:

The soup may thicken when it is removed from the heat. You can add a little water or extra beef broth, to bring it back to the consistency you prefer. This is a traditional beef soup that will never lose out.