Beef Vegetable and Barley Soup Starter Mix Recipe

Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’ll be sharing with you my Beef Vegetable and Barley Soup Starter Mix Recipe. This soup recipe has been a staple in my family for generations, and I’m excited to share it with you.

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup on a cold day. It’s the perfect comfort food that warms you up from the inside out. Plus, this recipe is packed with nutritious whole grains, fresh veggies, and tender chunks of beef that make it a satisfying meal on its own.

Making soup from scratch may seem intimidating, but this recipe is actually quite simple and easy to follow. You can even make a large batch and store it in the freezer for later use.

So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This beef vegetable and barley soup starter mix recipe is the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly night. Not only is it hearty and delicious, but it’s also packed with nutritious whole-grain barley and fresh veggies.

One of the best things about this soup is how easy it is to make. In just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious and healthy meal on the table. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover veggies you may have in the fridge.

If you’re looking to lose weight or simply want a healthier option for dinner, this soup is a great choice. It’s low in calories but high in protein and fiber, which will help keep you feeling full for longer.

But what really sets this soup apart is the flavor. The combination of beef broth, bay leaf, dried oregano, and dried basil creates a rich and savory base for the soup. And the tender chunks of beef roast add a meaty depth of flavor that will have you coming back for more.

Overall, this beef vegetable and barley soup starter mix recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a good soup. It’s easy, healthy, and packed with flavor. So why not give it a try and see for yourself why everyone loves this soup?

Ingredient List

Beef Vegetable and Barley Soup Starter Mix Recipe Ingredient List

This beef barley soup recipe is packed with tender chunks of beef roast, nutritious whole grain barley, and fresh veggies. Here are the ingredients you will need to make this delicious soup:

• 1 lb beef chuck roast, cut into small pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 sliced carrots
• 2 sliced celery sticks
• 1/2 cup barley
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 beef bouillon cubes
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• Salt to taste

Note: You can also use stew meat or ground beef in place of the chuck roast. Additionally, you can add dried vegetables, such as Knorr soup mix or Mrs. Grass, to enhance the flavor. For a vegetarian barley soup, you can leave out the beef and use bone broth or vegetable broth instead. Other types of barley you can use include pearl barley, hulled barley, or slow cooker beef barley soup made with a soup starter mix such as Bear Creek.

The Recipe How-To

Now that we have assembled all of our fresh ingredients and prepared our soup starter mix, it’s time to get cooking! This Beef Vegetable and Barley Soup is super easy to make, and it will be ready in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound beef chuck roast, cut into tender chunks
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 sliced carrots
• 2 sliced celery sticks
• 1 cup barley
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 8 cups beef broth
• 2 beef bouillon cubes
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
4. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
5. Add the carrots and celery to the pot and cook for another 2 minutes.
6. Add the barley, diced tomatoes, beef broth, beef bouillon cubes, bay leaf, oregano, basil, and black pepper.
7. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
8. Simmer for 25 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the beef is cooked through.
9. Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
10. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Results:

• Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcook the barley or it will become mushy.
• For a thicker soup, use less beef broth or add more barley.
• Adjust the seasoning to your liking by adding more salt and pepper.

Substitutions and Variations:

• Use ground beef instead of beef chuck roast for a different texture.
• Add more vegetables like green beans, peas, and corn for a more colorful soup.
• Use bone broth instead of beef broth for a richer flavor.
• Make this soup in a slow cooker for a hands-off approach.
• Make a vegetarian barley soup by omitting the beef and using vegetable broth instead.

With these easy-to-follow instructions, you can make a delicious Beef Vegetable and Barley Soup in no time. This soup is perfect for weight loss and it’s packed with nutritious whole grain barley and fresh veggies. Serve it with your favorite bread or salad for a complete meal.

Substitutions and Variations

If you’re looking to switch things up with this beef vegetable and barley soup starter mix recipe, here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:

– Vegetarian barley soup: Swap out the beef broth and beef bouillon cubes for vegetable broth and vegetable bouillon cubes, and omit the beef chuck roast. You can also add in some extra veggies like mushrooms or kale to make it heartier.

– Slow cooker beef barley soup: Brown the beef chuck roast in a pan and then transfer it to a slow cooker. Add in the rest of the ingredients (except for the barley) and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Add in the barley during the last hour of cooking.

– Ground beef barley soup: Instead of using beef chunks or a roast, use ground beef. Brown the ground beef in a pan and then add in the rest of the ingredients (except for the barley) and cook for 30-40 minutes. Add in the barley during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.

– Pearl barley soup: Use pearl barley instead of hulled barley for a softer texture.

– Mrs. Grass soup mix: If you don’t have beef bouillon cubes, you can use a packet of Mrs. Grass soup mix instead. Just be sure to adjust the amount of salt you add to the soup accordingly.

– Knorr soup mix: Another option for beef bouillon cubes is to use a packet of Knorr soup mix. Again, adjust the amount of salt you add to the soup as needed.

– Bone broth: For an extra nutritious twist, use bone broth instead of regular beef broth.

– Dried vegetables: If you can’t find fresh veggies or want to save time, you can use a package of dried vegetables instead. Just be sure to rehydrate them according to the package instructions before adding them to the soup.

No matter which variation you choose, this soup is sure to be a hit!

Serving and Pairing

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of beef vegetable and barley soup to comfort your soul. This soup is hearty and filling, perfect for a chilly evening or for when you need a quick and easy meal. You can serve this soup on its own or with a side of crusty bread or crackers for dipping.

If you’re looking to make this soup a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of mashed potatoes. The soup also pairs well with a full-bodied red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot.

For a more casual meal, consider serving this soup in a bread bowl. Simply hollow out a round loaf of bread and pour the soup inside. This is a fun way to enjoy the soup and adds an extra element of flavor and texture to the dish.

No matter how you choose to serve this soup, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The flavors are rich and complex, with tender chunks of beef, fresh veggies, and nutty barley. It’s a soup that will warm you up from the inside out and leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Once you’ve made a big pot of this delicious Beef Vegetable and Barley Soup, you’re going to want to enjoy it for days to come! Luckily, this soup stores and reheats beautifully, making it a perfect meal prep candidate or a convenient option for when you need a quick meal. Here are some tips for making the most out of your leftovers:

Make-Ahead: If you’re planning to make this soup ahead of time, I recommend making the soup base and storing it separately from the barley. Cook the barley separately and add it to the soup when you’re ready to serve. This will prevent the barley from getting mushy and keep the soup fresh for longer.

Storing: Store your leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Make sure the soup is completely cooled down before placing it in the fridge. If you’re storing the soup with the barley, keep in mind that the barley will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so you may need to add some extra broth or water when reheating.

Reheating: To reheat the soup, simply transfer it to a pot and heat it over medium heat until it’s heated through. If the soup has thickened up in the fridge, you can thin it out with some additional broth or water. You can also reheat the soup in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until heated through.

By following these tips, you can enjoy this hearty and nutritious soup all week long!

Tips for Perfect Results

Cooking soup can be tricky, but with a few tips, you can make a perfect soup every time. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect Beef Vegetable and Barley Soup Starter Mix recipe every time.

1. Use high-quality ingredients:

Using fresh, high-quality ingredients is essential for making a delicious soup. Use fresh veggies, quality beef, and hulled barley to ensure the soup’s flavors are rich and savory.

2. Brown the beef:

Browning the beef adds depth and richness to the soup’s flavor. Cut the beef into tender chunks and sear them in a hot pan with some oil until they’re nicely browned. This step is essential for making a flavorful soup.

3. Don’t skimp on the seasoning:

The right amount of seasoning is critical for making a delicious soup. Use plenty of dried herbs, like oregano, basil, and bay leaf, and ground black pepper to add flavor to the soup.

4. Let the soup simmer:

Simmering the soup for at least 30 minutes is essential for allowing the flavors to meld together. This method will give you a rich and savory soup that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

5. Use a slow cooker:

If you’re short on time, using a slow cooker is an excellent way to make this soup. Simply brown the beef, sauté the veggies, and add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours, and you’ll have a delicious soup waiting for you when you get home.

6. Store the soup properly:

If you’re making this soup ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months. Reheat the soup in a pot on the stove or in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave.

By following these tips, you’ll have a delicious and nutritious soup that will keep you warm and satisfied.

FAQ

Before wrapping up this recipe article, let’s address some common questions and concerns that may have arisen while reading through the recipe and instructions. Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQ) that will help you clarify doubts and ensure that you get the best results possible.

Should you cook barley before adding to soup?

One handy tip for those who wish to incorporate pearl barley into their soup or stew without it thickening the dish is to cook it separately beforehand. To do this, simply boil the pearl barley in water for 20-30 minutes, then drain and rinse before adding it to the soup or stew.

Is beef barley soup good for weight loss?

If you’re looking for a tasty and healthy meal, barley soup is a great option. This dish offers plenty of nutritional benefits, including improved gut health, lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and reduced risk of diseases like heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Additionally, barley can help with weight loss by making you feel fuller for longer periods of time.

How long does barley take to cook in broth?

Let’s get cooking on the stove top! Grab a large pot and pour in 1 ½ cups (350ml) of water or vegetable broth. Then, add in ½ cup (108g) of rinsed barley and sprinkle in ½ teaspoon (3g) of salt. Place the lid partially on the pot and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, turn down the heat to a low simmer and let it cook for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t boil over! By the time it’s done, the barley should be tender and the liquid should be absorbed.

What is beef barley soup made of?

This hearty soup recipe is packed with flavorful chunks of tender beef roast, wholesome whole grain barley, and fresh vegetables – all simmered in a savory broth that’s perfect for warming you up on cool, crisp days. It’s the ultimate soul-soothing comfort food!

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this Beef Vegetable and Barley Soup Starter Mix Recipe is the perfect dish for those who enjoy a hearty and nutritious meal that is easy to make. With its tender chunks of beef roast and fresh veggies, this soup is packed with flavor and nutrients that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.

What’s more, this recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite ingredients and making it a great option for weight loss or for those following a vegetarian diet.

So why not give this soup a try and see for yourself why it has become a favorite among food lovers everywhere? With its simple yet delicious flavors and easy preparation, this soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So go ahead and give it a try today!

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