Hearty Beef and Barley Soup

1½ lbs (680g) beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes

1 tbsp olive oil or butter

1 large yellow onion, diced

3 carrots, diced

3 celery stalks, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

8 cups low-sodium beef broth (or a mix of broth + water)

¾ cup pearl barley, rinsed

2 tbsp tomato paste

2 bay leaves

1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Salt & black pepper to taste

Optional: 1 tbsp soy sauce (for umami depth), fresh parsley for garnish

💡 Pro Tips:

Pat beef dry before browning—ensures a good sear (not steam!).

Don’t skip the tomato paste—cooking it 1 minute deepens flavor.

Rinse barley to remove excess starch and prevent gumminess.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Rich, Savory, Foolproof)

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