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Beef and Barley Soup


Make a pot of soup early in the week and you will have something nutritious in the refrigerator for that supper that you might be tempted to go grab a bite.  My mom in law makes this soup often and we enjoyed it there one evening.  While we ate. . .she recalled what she puts in it. . and I jotted it down.  If you have a large family, you can easily double this recipe in a very large stock pot.


  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 2 sticks celery, diced
  • 1/3 cup pot barley
  • 28 ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 beef bouillon cubes
  • 1 large potato, diced
  • 1 small head cabbage, chopped fine
  • 2 large carrots, diced
  • 1 can tomato soup
  • 1 bay leaf
  • a small handful chopped parsley
  • 6 peppercorns
  • 6 allspice
  • 1 tablespoon dill weed
  1. Brown the ground beef in a large stock pot.
  2. Use a mandolin to prepare your vegetables or chop while your meat is browning.
  3. Add the onion and celery and fry until translucent.
  4. Add the remaining ingredients. 
  5. Put your spices in a spice ball or tie it in cheesecloth.
  6. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer.
  7. Simmer several hours.

11 comments:

  1. Thanks for the reminder of this great soup. I make a very similar one...and this week in Iowa the temperature is in the 60s (YAY); perfect weather for soup. We're harvesting so this works out great in the crock pot too.

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  2. I have only known of a mandolin as a musical instrument. I am assuming there is a kitchen tool by the same name.

    I have never cooked with barley. This sounds good.

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  3. mm that sounds wonderful. I've been needing a new soup recipe

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  4. I made beef barley soup last night for supper!! I'm planning to post my recipe today.

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  5. Mmmm....this soup looks yummy and hearty. I had to do a little research to find out what a mandolin is in the cooking world - it's a v-slicer! Years ago they were marketed on TV as "Miracle Chef", and I have one way up in the back of a high cupboard. I think it's time I resurrect it again! Thanks for the reminder : )

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  6. This looks really tasty Lovella. Make sure you're careful with your mandolins ladies!!

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  7. Although today is too hot for soup....this does sound and look really good. Kathy

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  8. Is pot barley also known as medium pearled barley (non-quick or instant)? TIA Pam

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  9. I made this soup this morning and it was an overwhelming hit with the man of the house for lunch AND he wanted a bowl for dinner. Yum. Okay girls, I need a really good chicken with brown rice soup recipe.

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  10. It says 6 allspice. I am confused with that. I thought allspice only comes in powder? I checked out the grocery store and only found powdered allspice.

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    Replies
    1. Whole Allspice can be found in the grocery store and is often used in Pickling as well.

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