Best Ever Beef Barley Soup Recipe

Ingredients for Best Ever Beef Barley Soup

• Lean Ground Beef
• Water
• Beef Bouillon Cubes
• Carrots
• Onions
• Green Peppers
• Celery
• Garlic
• Barley
• Salt
• Pepper
• Bay Leaf
• Catsup
• Crushed Tomatoes
• Tomato Sauce

How to Make Best Ever Beef Barley Soup

1. In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, brown 1 lb ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add 1 large onion, chopped; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; and cook for 5 minutes, until softened.
3. Stir in 1 cup barley, 8 cups beef broth, 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
4. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the barley is tender.
5. Before serving, taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Consider adding a bay leaf during simmering (remove before serving) for an extra layer of flavor.