Beef and Barley Soup

Beef and Barley Soup

Wholesome, hearty, and loaded with tender beef and veggies, this Beef and Barley Soup is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights when you need something filling, cozy, and full of flavor that the whole family will love.

When I think of a cozy dinner, this soup always comes to mind — right along with my creamy parmesan chicken Ritz casserole or my mom’s tuna noodle casserole, both family favorites that bring back memories of home-cooked comfort.

If you love hearty soups, you’ll also want to try this Mashed Potato Soup, Crockpot Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup, or Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup. They’re all easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy!

Beef and Barley Soup | The Food Cafe

Why You’ll Love This Beef and Barley Soup

• 🥩 Full of flavor – Made with tender beef tips and a rich broth for that slow-cooked taste.

• 🥕 Loaded with veggies – Carrots, celery, potatoes, peas, corn, and beans make it hearty and nutritious.

• 🍲 Quick and easy – Using pre-cooked beef tips cuts prep time in half without losing flavor.

• ❄️ Freezer-friendly – Make a big batch and enjoy it later; it reheats beautifully.

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-approved – Comfort food that everyone at the table will devour.

What You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious beef barley soup:

• 2 (15 oz) packages of refrigerated cooked beef tips in gravy

• 2 tbsp oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 tbsp minced garlic

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 6 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)

• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 3 carrots, peeled and diced

• 2 stalks of celery, diced

• ¾ cup pearl barley

• ½ cup frozen green beans

• ½ cup frozen peas

• ½ cup frozen corn

• 1 tsp dry onion soup mix

• Fresh rosemary for garnish

💡 Tip: Can’t find refrigerated beef tips? Try making your own with this easy Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy recipe — it’s simple, flavorful, and works perfectly here!

How to make beef barley soup

1. In a large stockpot add oil and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. 
2. Add in beef broth, tomato paste, celery, carrots, barley, dry onion soup mix, and potatoes.  Cover and cook over medium heat for 30 minutes. 
3. Add frozen peas, corn and beans.  Cover and cook an additional 20 minutes.  Uncover, stir and let simmer 5 minutes until soup thickens slightly.  Garnish with fresh rosemary.

Do you cook barley before adding it to soup?

No need! Add it straight to the pot with the other ingredients. It will cook perfectly while the soup simmers and absorb all that rich flavor.

What’s the best cut of beef for beef barley soup?

I love using beef tips because they’re tender and flavorful. But beef stew meat or chuck roast (cut into cubes) works great too.

Can you freeze beef barley soup?

Absolutely. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It will keep for up to 3 months.

How long does beef barley soup last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, your soup will stay fresh for up to 4 days.

What to Serve with Beef and Barley Soup

Pair this hearty soup with one of these delicious sides for a complete meal:

• Cornbread

• Avocado Tomato Cucumber Salad

• Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts

• Creamy Grape Salad

• Biscuits

Join the Conversation

This Beef and Barley Soup is comfort in every spoonful — warm, hearty, and full of flavor your family will love. Whether it’s a cozy weekend dinner or a quick weeknight meal, it’s one of those recipes that makes everyone ask for seconds.

I’d love to see how yours turns out! Snap a photo and tag @shannon_ladywarrior on Instagram — let’s share the love for good food and cozy comfort together. 🥣❤️