BEEF BARLEY SOUP 
1 1/2 lb. stew beef
1 to 2 lb. soup bones
salt & pepper, to taste
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup fresh parsley
3 quarts water
3/4 cup barley
2 cups cut up carrots
3/4 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped onions
1 quart crushed canned tomatoes
pinch of fresh basil

Dice meat and sauté until browned. Add to meat: bones, salt, pepper, parsley and water. Simmer (do not boil) for 1 hour.

Add barley and simmer 1 more hour. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer for 45 minutes over very low heat.

Remove soup bones, bay leaf, and serve.

recipe reviews
Beef Barley Soup
 #6137
 kathy says:
How many is this supposed to serve?
 #6141
 Cooks.com replies:
Hi Kathy,

There is 1 1/2 lbs of meat, so it would serve 3 or 4, depending on whether those people were football players, children or a 90 year old grandmother; also, it depends upon whether you'd be serving the soup as a first, second or only course, and is contingent upon whether any of your diners would require second or third helpings. This does not count leftovers.

Hope this helps!

-- CM
   #60718
 Cindy Behrmann (British Columbia) says:
This soup is delicious. I believe that one batch will serve at least 15 bowls. I doubled the recipe and have frozen two big tubs and have two in my fridge for my kids to eat whenever they are hungry. Also, I cut back on the meat - I used 1 pound for the recipe (2 pounds for the double) and a few more bones. It is delicious!!
 #82743
 Denise (United States) says:
Beef barley soup - Delicious, I did adjust, more barley, less water and tomatoes and not so much salt.
 #111644
 Robin (Georgia) says:
I actually use short ribs instead of stew meat. They are much more favorable and almost melt in your mouth. Also with short ribs, you have the bone with the meat, so no need for added bones. This is a staple in my home during winter months.
   #112241
 AnneM (North Carolina) says:
This is delicious. Didn't have any soup bones, so added some dried beef stock. Very well received, definitely a "keeper". Thanks.
   #115272
 AnneM (North Carolina) says:
Am now making this for the second time. First time was extremely well received. Simple to make and delicious for the colder months. Did not have bones, so used some Beef Better than Bullion. Might try the other suggestion of using beef short ribs next time.
   #118263
 Todd (United States) says:
Making this the second time tomorrow. It is absolutely fabulous. Going over the top this time... making it with left-over standing prime rib roast, including the bones! Serving it for lunch to friends stopping by on their way to a weekend wedding. 16 degrees outside, crackling fire in the fireplace and a great soup for friends. Doesn't get better than that. I do add a touch of garlic minced too at the beginning. I like the addition. Bon Appetit!
   #182528
 Joe Kolks (Ohio) says:
I made the beef barley soup. It was delicious, a keeper!
   #186340
 Carol (Illinois) says:
This is a very good recipe although I was surprised it contained no garlic, so I added that. We had it tonight and then put the remainder in containers - one in the refrigerator for leftovers later this week and two in the freezer. My partner could not stop saying how good it was. What a win all around!

 

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