I’m excited to share a warm, hearty, and comforting recipe: Pioneer Woman’s Beef Barley Soup. This soup is a perfect blend of tender beef, wholesome barley, and flavorful vegetables, simmered together to create a rich, satisfying meal.

What is Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup?

Pioneer Woman’s Beef Barley Soup is a comforting and hearty dish made with tender chunks of beef, barley, and a variety of vegetables. The beef is browned to develop flavor and then simmered in a savory broth with carrots, celery, onions, and barley. The result is a rich and filling soup that’s perfect for chilly days or when you need something warm and nourishing.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Hearty and filling: The combination of beef and barley makes this soup a complete meal in one bowl.
Nutritious: Packed with vegetables and whole grains, this soup is both healthy and satisfying.
Make-ahead friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.
Comforting: A bowl of this soup is perfect for cold days or when you need a little comfort food.
Pioneer Woman’s touch: A recipe that reflects Ree Drummond’s love for hearty, home-cooked meals.

Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup

1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 cup pearl barley
8 cups beef broth
1 (14.5-ounce) can of diced tomatoes (optional)
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

To make Pioneer Woman’s Beef Barley Soup, you’ll need the following equipment:

Large pot or Dutch oven: For browning the beef and simmering the soup.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Use to stir the ingredients.
Knife and cutting board: For chopping the vegetables and meat.
Measuring cups and spoons: To measure out the ingredients accurately.

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup

Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the beef is browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
Cook the vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the broth and barley: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, pearl barley, diced tomatoes (if using), bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let the soup simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beef is tender and the barley is fully cooked.
Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup

Crusty bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread or a warm dinner roll to soak up the flavorful broth.
Green salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
Grated Parmesan: Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
Roasted vegetables: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup

Brown the beef well: Browning the beef helps develop a rich flavor in the soup. Don’t rush this step.
Use pearl barley: Pearl barley is the best choice for this soup as it cooks relatively quickly and adds a wonderful texture.
Simmer low and slow: Let the soup simmer slowly to allow the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.
Make extra: This soup freezes well, so consider making a double batch for easy future meals.
Customize the vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, potatoes, or spinach, for extra flavor and nutrients.

Variations of Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup

Vegetable Barley Soup: Skip the beef and add more vegetables for a hearty, vegetarian version.
Chicken Barley Soup: Substitute the beef with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for a lighter version.
Spicy Beef Barley Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for some heat.
Herb Barley Soup: Add fresh thyme or rosemary at the end for a burst of herbal freshness.
Mushroom Barley Soup: Add sliced mushrooms to the soup for a rich, earthy flavor.

Storing Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup: Best Practices

Use an airtight container: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Refrigerate promptly: Keep the soup chilled to maintain its freshness.
Use within 3-4 days: For the best taste and quality, consume within a few days.
Freeze for longer storage: You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup: Best Practices

Stovetop reheating: Reheat the soup in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Microwave reheating: Microwave individual servings on a microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

How Can I Make Pioneer Woman Beef Barley Soup Healthier?

To make Pioneer Woman’s Beef Barley Soup healthier, consider these simple adjustments:

Use leaner cuts of beef: Opt for leaner cuts like sirloin or trim the excess fat from the stew meat to reduce fat content.
Increase the vegetables: Add more vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini for extra fiber and nutrients.
Use low-sodium broth: Choose low-sodium beef broth to cut down on the sodium.
Reduce the oil: Use less olive oil or switch to a non-stick spray for browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

Calories: 400 kcal
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 30g
Sodium: 800mg
Fiber: 6g

FAQs

Can I make Pioneer Woman’s Beef Barley Soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day.

Can I freeze Pioneer Woman’s Beef Barley Soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What type of beef should I use for beef barley soup?

Beef stew meat or chuck roast is ideal for this recipe as it becomes tender with slow cooking. You can also use leaner cuts like sirloin if you prefer a lower-fat option.

Can I use quick-cooking barley instead of pearl barley?

Yes, but keep in mind that quick-cooking barley will require less cooking time, so adjust accordingly. You may want to add it later in the cooking process to avoid overcooking.

Final Words

Pioneer Woman’s Beef Barley Soup is a deliciously hearty and wholesome meal that’s perfect for cold days or when you need a filling, comforting dish. With tender beef, nutritious barley, and flavorful vegetables, this soup is both satisfying and easy to make. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or as a make-ahead meal, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the rich, savory flavors with every spoonful!

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