Beef and Barley Soup with Ground Beef

Name: Beef and Barley Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion (diced); 2 carrots (diced); 2 celery stalks (diced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes; 8 cups beef broth; 3/4 cup pearl barley (not quick cooking); 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; Salt and pepper (to taste); 2 tbsp olive oil (if needed for sautéing); Fresh parsley (chopped (for garnish))

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I first made this Beef and Barley Soup on a chilly Sunday after a long family hike. Everyone came home hungry, cold, and ready for something hearty. I tossed a few simple ingredients into my slow cooker, and by dinnertime, the house smelled like pure comfort. The kids couldn’t wait to dig in—and let’s just say there were zero leftovers! This soup has been a family favorite ever since, and it’s become my go-to recipe for meal prep and cozy weeknight dinners.

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Close up of Beef and Barley Soup with Ground Beef in a white pot with a wooden spoon in it.

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What makes this soup healthy?

This Beef and Barley Soup with Ground Beef is not only cozy—it’s good for you too!

Barley adds a boost of fiber that helps keep you full longer.
Ground beef provides protein and iron, which are both great for energy.
Vegetables like carrots, celery, onion, and tomatoes bring in antioxidants and vitamins.
Low-sodium beef broth keeps the sodium level in check while still giving that rich, beefy flavor.

Together, these ingredients create a well-balanced meal that’s both nourishing and filling—exactly what your body needs on busy fall and winter days.

RELATED: This Easy Italian Minestrone Soup is warm, hearty, packed with veggies, and tastes like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal prep hero, or just craving something nourishing, this minestrone vegetable soup checks all the boxes.

Beef Barley Soup Recipe 15 - There’s something magical about a simmering pot of Beef and Barley Soup filling your kitchen with rich, savory aromas. This classic comfort food brings together tender vegetables, hearty barley, and flavorful ground beef in a satisfying broth that warms you from the inside out. It’s the perfect recipe for those cool autumn or winter evenings when you crave something nourishing, filling, and easy to make.

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Ingredients you’ll need

Overhead photo showing the ingredients in Beef and Barley Soup with Ground Beef.

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this easy Beef and Barley Soup with Ground Beef:

1 lb ground beef – Lean ground beef keeps it hearty but not greasy.
1 medium onion, diced – Adds flavor depth to the broth.
2 carrots, diced – Bring color, texture, and a little sweetness.
2 celery stalks, diced – Add a nice crunch and freshness.
3 cloves garlic, minced – A must for savory flavor.
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes – Gives the soup body and a touch of acidity.
8 cups beef broth – The flavorful base of your soup.
3/4 cup pearl barley (not quick-cooking) – The chewy texture makes the soup extra satisfying.
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce – Adds that perfect umami kick.
1 tsp dried thyme – Brings a subtle earthy flavor.
1 bay leaf – Infuses the soup with extra aroma.
Salt and pepper, to taste – To season everything perfectly.
2 tbsp olive oil (if needed for sautéing) – Helps soften the veggies.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – Adds a pop of color and freshness before serving.

Be sure to check out the full ingredient list and printable recipe in the recipe card below.

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Why you’ll love this soup

This easy Beef and Barley Soup recipe checks all the boxes for a family favorite:

One-pot meal – Less cleanup, more time to relax.
Budget-friendly – Simple pantry ingredients that go a long way.
Perfect for leftovers – It tastes even better the next day.
Freezer-friendly – Great for meal prepping ahead of time.
Comforting and hearty – Ideal for cool weather or when you need a filling, healthy meal.

Beef Barley Soup Recipe 19 - There’s something magical about a simmering pot of Beef and Barley Soup filling your kitchen with rich, savory aromas. This classic comfort food brings together tender vegetables, hearty barley, and flavorful ground beef in a satisfying broth that warms you from the inside out. It’s the perfect recipe for those cool autumn or winter evenings when you crave something nourishing, filling, and easy to make.

Step-by-step instructions for making this soup

Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease if needed.

Beef Barley Soup Recipe 2 - There’s something magical about a simmering pot of Beef and Barley Soup filling your kitchen with rich, savory aromas. This classic comfort food brings together tender vegetables, hearty barley, and flavorful ground beef in a satisfying broth that warms you from the inside out. It’s the perfect recipe for those cool autumn or winter evenings when you crave something nourishing, filling, and easy to make.

Cook the veggies: Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.

Beef Barley Soup Recipe 4 - There’s something magical about a simmering pot of Beef and Barley Soup filling your kitchen with rich, savory aromas. This classic comfort food brings together tender vegetables, hearty barley, and flavorful ground beef in a satisfying broth that warms you from the inside out. It’s the perfect recipe for those cool autumn or winter evenings when you crave something nourishing, filling, and easy to make.

Add the remaining ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, barley, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.

Beef Barley Soup Recipe 5 - There’s something magical about a simmering pot of Beef and Barley Soup filling your kitchen with rich, savory aromas. This classic comfort food brings together tender vegetables, hearty barley, and flavorful ground beef in a satisfying broth that warms you from the inside out. It’s the perfect recipe for those cool autumn or winter evenings when you crave something nourishing, filling, and easy to make.

Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover and simmer for 40–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the barley is tender.

Beef Barley Soup Recipe 6 - There’s something magical about a simmering pot of Beef and Barley Soup filling your kitchen with rich, savory aromas. This classic comfort food brings together tender vegetables, hearty barley, and flavorful ground beef in a satisfying broth that warms you from the inside out. It’s the perfect recipe for those cool autumn or winter evenings when you crave something nourishing, filling, and easy to make.

Finish and serve: Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Make this Beef and Barley Soup recipe, then check out my Easy Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheddar Soup and more of my healthy homemade soup recipes.

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Frequently asked questions about this easy slow cooker recipe

Read on for tips and substitution ideas on how to make this recipe, such as how to customize this salad, and how to store this salad.

Can I make this Beef and Barley Soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the ground beef first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for about 3–4 hours, until the barley is tender.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey works great for a lighter option—just keep in mind the flavor will be a bit milder.

Can I use quick-cooking barley?

If using quick-cooking barley, add it during the last 20 minutes of cooking so it doesn’t get mushy.

Can this soup be frozen?

Yes! Let it cool completely, then freeze it in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

How do I store leftovers of this Beef and Barley Soup with Ground Beef?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The barley will continue to absorb some of the broth, so you might want to add a splash of beef broth or water when reheating. Warm it on the stove over medium heat or reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot.

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Beef Barley Soup Recipe 24 - There’s something magical about a simmering pot of Beef and Barley Soup filling your kitchen with rich, savory aromas. This classic comfort food brings together tender vegetables, hearty barley, and flavorful ground beef in a satisfying broth that warms you from the inside out. It’s the perfect recipe for those cool autumn or winter evenings when you crave something nourishing, filling, and easy to make.

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Other Easy Soup recipes to try

This Easy Italian Minestrone Soup vegetarian style is packed with good-for-you stuff. It’s full of fiber-rich veggies, protein-packed beans, and whole grains from the pasta.
Creamy Gnocchi Bacon Soup – This soup is so comforting and delicious…it’ll warm you inside and out. One of the best soups that I have made in a long time. Enjoy!