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The Best Beef Barley Soup

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This hearty Beef Barley Soup combines savory ground beef, spicy sausage, wholesome barley, and a mix of vegetables for a rich, comforting meal. Perfect for cold days, this soup is filling, flavorful, and easy to make. A perfect balance of protein, fiber, and nutrients in every bowl!

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1 lb Jimmy Dean Hot Sausage

1 large onion, diced

3 stalks celery, sliced

1 cup quick barley

1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes

1 bay leaf

67 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) (Optional: add 2 lb bag for extra veggies)

Instructions

  • Cook the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine ground beef and hot sausage. Cook over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Break up the meat as it cooks.

  • Add Vegetables: Stir in the diced onion and sliced celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.

  • Add Barley and Tomatoes: Add the quick barley and canned diced tomatoes, mixing well.

  • Add Broth and Seasoning: Pour in the beef broth (or water and bouillon) and add the bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.

  • Add Sweet Potato and Frozen Veggies: Stir in the diced sweet potato and mixed frozen vegetables. Let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes until barley is tender and sweet potatoes are soft.

  • Simmer and Serve: Adjust seasoning to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Notes

Add More Greens: For extra nutrients, add chopped spinach, kale, or other leafy greens in the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Different Meat: Substitute hot sausage with mild sausage or ground turkey for a lighter version.

Vegetarian Version: Use lentils, chickpeas, or other plant-based proteins, and vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.

Spicy Version: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra cayenne pepper for more heat.