Ina Garten’s Hearty Beef Barley Soup Recipe: Winter Comfort

Beef and barley come together in a stew that’s hearty, nourishing, and full of depth.

Chunks of meat mingle with chewy grains and earthy vegetables.

Slow cooking allows the flavors to fully develop.

It’s perfect for cold days or whenever comfort is needed.

A bowl feels like a warm blanket from the inside out.

You’ll return to this soup all season long.

Why Rich Beef Barley Soup Is a Winter Favorite

• Flavor-Packed Comfort: This rich beef barley soup delivers deep, multilayered flavors from slowly browned oxtails and caramelized vegetables that create an incredibly satisfying and hearty meal.
• Textural Wonderland: Experience a delightful combination of tender, falling-apart meat, soft barley kernels, and perfectly cooked vegetables that provide a beautiful contrast in every spoonful.
• Slow-Cooking Magic: The lengthy simmering process allows ingredients to develop complex flavors, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality soup that feels like a warm hug on a cold day.
• Nutrient-Dense Meal: Packed with protein from oxtails, fiber from vegetables and barley, and rich minerals from slow-cooked bone broth, this soup offers a wholesome and nourishing dining experience.

Everything You Need for Hearty Beef Barley Soup

• Oxtails: Rich, flavorful meat that adds deep beef taste and creates a robust soup base. Choose well-marbled cuts with some fat for best results.

• Leeks, Onion, Garlic: Provide a sweet and savory foundation for the soup's flavor profile. Fresh, firm vegetables with no signs of wilting are ideal.
• Carrots, Celery: Add natural sweetness and earthy undertones. Look for crisp, bright-colored vegetables without blemishes.

• Thyme Sprigs: Fresh herb that brings subtle, woodsy notes to the soup. Choose bright green, fragrant sprigs.
• Bay Leaves: Offer a mild, complex background flavor. Whole dried leaves are preferable.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing overall soup flavors.

• Barley: Hearty grain that adds texture and substance to the soup. Pearl barley works best for quick cooking and soft texture.

• Beef Broth: Creates the soup's liquid base and intensifies the meaty flavor. Low-sodium options allow better seasoning control.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and browning meat. Extra virgin provides the best flavor.

How to Simmer Rich Beef Barley Soup to Perfection

Step 1: Sear The Oxtails

• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook over medium-high heat for 10 minutes, turning occasionally until nicely browned. Remove oxtails and set aside.

Step 2: Saute Aromatic Vegetables

• Leeks
• Carrots
• Onion
• Celery
• Garlic

Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables start to brown.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

• Salt
• Black pepper

Bring to boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour. Remove thyme and bay leaves. Skim excess fat.

Step 4: Cook Barley

In a separate pot, boil water. Add barley and simmer for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Combine And Finish Soup

Add cooked barley to the soup. Stir and cook for 15-20 minutes until barley becomes tender. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Ladle hot soup into bowls. Serve with or without oxtail pieces. Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs.

Tips That Bring Out the Flavor in Beef Barley Soup

• Sear Oxtails for Maximum Flavor: Create a deep, caramelized exterior by browning the oxtails thoroughly. This technique locks in rich, meaty flavors that transform the entire soup's taste profile.
• Master Fat Skimming Technique: Remove excess fat with a large spoon or fat separator for a cleaner, more refined broth. Skimming prevents a greasy texture and lets the soup's true flavors shine through.
• Cook Barley Separately for Perfect Texture: Prevent mushy barley by cooking it apart from the main soup. This method keeps the grains perfectly tender and maintains the soup's ideal consistency.
• Elevate with Fresh Herb Magic: Opt for fresh thyme and bay leaves to introduce vibrant, aromatic layers. Fresh herbs provide a brightness that dried herbs simply cannot match.
• Personalize Salt Levels Carefully: Sample the broth before serving, understanding that beef stock varies in saltiness. Gradually add salt to achieve a perfectly balanced, personalized flavor profile.

How to Store Rich Beef Barley Soup the Right Way

• Freeze Large Batches: Divide the soup into individual portion-sized containers before freezing. Label each container with the date and contents. This method prevents repeated thawing and ensures quick, convenient meals during busy weeks.
• Refrigerate with Care: Store soup in glass or ceramic containers with tight-fitting lids to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption. Keep the container towards the back of the refrigerator where temperature remains most consistent, preserving the soup's rich flavor and texture.
• Reheat Strategically: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator for best results. When reheating, use a pot on the stovetop instead of a microwave to restore the soup's original consistency and prevent potential texture separation. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth if the soup seems too thick.

Additions That Boost Your Beef Barley Game

• Hearty Lamb Fusion: Replace oxtails with tender lamb shanks, adding rosemary instead of thyme for a Mediterranean-inspired profile. Use lamb broth for deeper meat flavor and include diced potatoes for extra heartiness.
• Vegetarian Harvest Bowl: Swap beef broth with rich vegetable stock, substitute oxtails with roasted mushrooms and butternut squash. Add lentils alongside barley for protein and incorporate smoked paprika for depth.
• Spicy Korean-Style Soup: Use short ribs instead of oxtails, infuse broth with gochujang and ginger. Include kimchi as a garnish and sprinkle green onions for freshness. Replace traditional herbs with Korean chili flakes for a vibrant kick.
• Winter Comfort Edition: Incorporate dried porcini mushrooms for umami, add red wine during braising for complexity. Include parsnips alongside carrots and finish with fresh parsley for brightness.

End With a Steamy Spoonful of Rich Barley Comfort

Ina Garten’s rich beef barley soup embodies comfort and warmth in each spoonful.

Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across palates.

Complex layers of beef, vegetables, and barley tell a culinary story of depth and satisfaction.

Carefully crafted techniques elevate this classic soup from ordinary to extraordinary.

Home cooks can savor restaurant-quality results with simple, thoughtful preparation.

Passionate recipe enthusiasts: share this delectable journey, spark conversations in comments, and spread the love of remarkable home cooking with friends and family.

Ina Garten Rich Beef Barley Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s rich beef barley soup delivers hearty comfort with tender chunks of beef and plump pearl barley simmered in a deep, robust broth. Warm spices and slow-cooked vegetables create a nourishing meal that wraps you in delicious, comforting warmth perfect for chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 pounds (0.9 kilograms) beef oxtails

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 2 cups (475 milliliters) chopped leeks, white and light green parts (2 leeks)
• 2 cups (475 milliliters) diced carrots (4 carrots)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chopped yellow onion
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) diced celery (2 stalks)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 3 bay leaves

Liquid and Grain:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) good olive oil
• 10 cups (2.4 liters) canned beef broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) pearled barley
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the protein by searing oxtails in a large pot or Dutch oven with olive oil. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook over medium-high heat for 10 minutes, rotating periodically to ensure even browning. Transfer the caramelized oxtails to a separate plate using a slotted spoon.
2. In the same cooking vessel, sauté leeks, carrots, onions, celery, and garlic over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook for approximately 10 minutes until vegetables develop a golden-brown color and release their aromatic flavors.
3. Create an herb bundle by tying thyme sprigs together with kitchen twine. Add the herb bundle and bay leaves to the vegetable mixture. Carefully return the seared oxtails to the pot, then pour in beef broth. Season with an additional salt and black pepper.
4. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and allow the mixture to slowly cook for 60 minutes, which will tenderize the meat and develop deep, rich flavors.
5. While the stew simmers, prepare the barley in a separate pot. Bring 960 milliliters () of water to a vigorous boil. Add barley and reduce heat, allowing it to simmer for approximately 30 minutes until tender. Drain excess water and set aside.
6. Remove the thyme bundle and bay leaves from the stew. Skim any accumulated fat from the surface to enhance the soup’s clarity and flavor.
7. Incorporate the cooked barley into the stew, stirring gently to distribute evenly. Continue cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes to meld the flavors and ensure barley reaches desired tenderness.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper as needed. Serve piping hot, offering the option of enjoying the oxtails within the soup or separately.

Notes

• Deeply caramelize oxtails to unlock intense, mouthwatering flavor profiles that transform ordinary soup into an extraordinary culinary experience.
• Remove excess fat during cooking to guarantee a lighter, cleaner broth that showcases the rich meat’s natural deliciousness.
• Cook barley separately to maintain perfect texture, preventing soggy grains and preserving the soup’s hearty consistency.
• Harvest fresh herbs like thyme and bay leaves for an immediate flavor boost that elevates the entire dish with bright, aromatic notes.
• Sample and season carefully, understanding that beef broth saltiness varies widely between brands, ensuring each spoonful delivers balanced, satisfying taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (245 grams)
• Calories: 179
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: Not specified