The Best Beef Barley Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Beef Barley Soup is everything you want in a hearty, comforting soup. The combination of beef and sausage gives it a rich, savory flavor, while the barley adds a perfect bite and texture. The mix of vegetables, including sweet potato, brings a natural sweetness that balances the spiciness of the sausage. With a bit of beef broth (or water and bouillon), this soup becomes a rich, filling meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s a great make-ahead meal, and leftovers taste even better the next day!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb Jimmy Dean Hot Sausage
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 stalks celery, sliced
• 1 cup quick barley
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 bay leaf
• 6-7 cups beef broth (or water and bouillon)
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 lb bag of mixed frozen vegetables (peas, corn, beans, and carrots)
  (Sometimes, I add a 2 lb bag for extra veggies)

Directions

1. Cook the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the ground beef and hot sausage. Cook over medium heat until the meat is browned and cooked through. Break up the meat as it cooks.
2. Add Vegetables: Add the diced onion and sliced celery to the pot with the meat. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Add Barley and Tomatoes: Stir in the quick barley and the can of diced tomatoes, ensuring everything is well mixed.
4. Add Broth and Seasoning: Pour in the beef broth (or water and bouillon if you’re using that combination) and add the bay leaf. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
5. Add Sweet Potato and Frozen Veggies: Add the diced sweet potato and frozen mixed vegetables to the pot. Stir everything together and let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the sweet potatoes are soft.
6. Simmer and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer more spice, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or additional seasoning to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 6-8 servings.

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Add More Greens: For extra nutrients, you can toss in some chopped spinach, kale, or other leafy greens about 5 minutes before the soup is done.
• Different Meat: If you prefer, you can substitute the Jimmy Dean hot sausage with mild sausage or even ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap the beef and sausage for plant-based proteins like lentils or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version.
• Spicy Version: For more heat, add some chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra cayenne pepper to the soup.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover Beef Barley Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick. You can also microwave individual portions in a covered dish.

FAQs

Can I use regular barley instead of quick barley?

Yes, you can use regular barley, but keep in mind that it will take longer to cook—about 45 minutes instead of 25-30 minutes.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the meat on the stovetop, then transfer it to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients (except the barley) and cook on low for 6-8 hours, adding the barley in the last hour of cooking.

Is this soup spicy?

The soup has a mild to moderate spice level due to the Jimmy Dean Hot Sausage. If you prefer less heat, you can use a mild sausage or reduce the amount of hot sausage.

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! You can use any type of sausage you prefer, such as sweet Italian sausage or chicken sausage. Adjust the spices accordingly to fit the flavor of the sausage.

Can I use a different type of potato instead of sweet potato?

Yes, you can use regular potatoes if you prefer. Just peel and dice them the same way you would the sweet potato, and they’ll cook in the same amount of time.

Can I add more vegetables to the soup?

Yes, feel free to add extra vegetables such as green beans, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on the vegetable.

How do I know when the soup is done?

The soup is done when the barley is tender, and the sweet potatoes and vegetables are soft. You can test the barley by tasting it to ensure it’s cooked to your liking.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can make it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can I make this soup in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes! Brown the meat in the Instant Pot using the sauté function, then add the rest of the ingredients and cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes. Quick release the pressure and let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes before serving.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, replace the meat with a plant-based protein (like lentils or beans) and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add more vegetables for extra texture and flavor.

Conclusion

The Best Beef Barley Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for cooler weather or when you need a satisfying meal. The combination of beef, sausage, vegetables, and barley creates a rich and flavorful soup that’s filling and packed with nutrients. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping for the week, this recipe is simple to make and guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy a warm bowl of this homemade soup, and savor the deliciousness in every bite!

Print