Cozy Up with Ina Garten’s Hearty Beef Barley Soup Recipe

Hearty soups that warm you from the inside out always hit the spot, especially when they’re packed with robust flavors like this Ina Garten beef barley soup recipe.

The aroma of slow-simmered meat and tender vegetables wafts through the kitchen, promising comfort in every spoonful.

Tender chunks of beef mingle with plump barley, creating a satisfying meal that speaks to classic home cooking.

Each ingredient is carefully selected to build layers of deep, rich flavor that make this soup truly exceptional.

Cold days call for meals that provide both nourishment and soul-soothing warmth.

The combination of succulent beef, earthy barley, and perfectly seasoned broth transforms a simple dish into a culinary experience.

This recipe delivers a bowl of pure, rustic deliciousness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

All the Ingredients in Ina Garten Rich Beef Barley Soup

• Oxtails: Adds rich, deep flavor and creates a robust meat foundation for the soup, selecting well-marbled cuts ensures tender, succulent meat.
• Beef Broth: Provides a hearty liquid base, choose low-sodium versions to control salt levels and enhance natural meat flavors.

• Leeks, Onion: Create a sweet, layered flavor foundation, select fresh, firm vegetables with bright green tops.
• Carrots, Celery: Bring earthy sweetness and crisp texture, choose organic produce for more vibrant taste.
• Garlic: Offers intense, warm undertones, pick plump cloves without sprouts for maximum flavor punch.

• Thyme Sprigs: Infuses subtle, woodsy notes, select fresh sprigs with vibrant green color.
• Bay Leaves: Contributes delicate, complex background flavor, use dried leaves for concentrated essence.
• Barley: Provides hearty texture and nutritional boost, choose pearl barley for quicker cooking and smoother consistency.
• Olive Oil: Facilitates perfect sautéing and adds subtle fruity undertones, opt for extra virgin for highest quality.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance overall taste profile, use freshly ground black pepper for brightest flavor.

Tools Required for Ina Garten Rich Beef Barley Soup

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for browning oxtails and simmering the soup base.
• Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing and transferring oxtails without excess liquid.
• Kitchen string: Helps tie thyme sprigs together for easy removal.
• Separate pot: Used for cooking barley independently.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping vegetables.
• Sharp knife: Required for precise vegetable and herb preparation.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure salt and pepper.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring vegetables and soup.

Simmer Up Ina Garten Rich Beef Barley Soup

• Meat Preparation

Brown oxtails in a large pot with olive oil, creating a rich golden crust on all sides. Develop deep flavor by seasoning generously and cooking until meat looks beautifully caramelized.

• Vegetable Foundation

Sauté leeks, carrots, onions, celery, and garlic in the same pot where meat was cooked. Allow vegetables to soften and develop a gentle brown color, releasing their natural sweetness.

• Liquid and Herb Infusion

Add fresh thyme sprigs, bay leaves, and beef broth to the pot. Return oxtails to liquid and let everything simmer gently, allowing flavors to meld and create a luxurious base.

• Barley Integration

Cook barley separately until tender, then incorporate into the soup. Let the grains absorb the rich, meaty broth, creating a hearty and comforting texture.

• Final Touch

Taste and adjust seasoning, ensuring the soup has a balanced and robust flavor profile. Remove herb sprigs and bay leaves before serving to maintain a clean presentation.

Kitchen Tips for Ina Garten Rich Beef Barley Soup

• Replace oxtails with beef short ribs, chuck roast, or beef shanks for equally rich and tender results.
• Customize the vegetable mix by adding parsnips, turnips, or mushrooms for extra depth and nutrition.
• Prepare the soup a day in advance to let flavors develop and intensify, making reheating a breeze.
• Use homemade beef stock or high-quality store-bought bone broth for an even more robust flavor profile.

Presentation Tips for Ina Garten Rich Beef Barley Soup

• Pair with Crusty Bread: Slice a warm, rustic baguette or hearty sourdough to dip into the rich, flavorful broth. The bread will soak up all the delicious juices and add a delightful texture contrast.
• Create a Cozy Dinner Spread: Serve alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's heartiness. This combination provides a complete and satisfying meal that's perfect for chilly evenings.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving to add a bright, fresh note and pop of color. The herbs will enhance the soup's deep, comforting flavors and make the dish look even more appetizing.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Merlot to complement the rich beef and earthy barley. The wine's subtle notes will beautifully enhance the soup's complex flavor profile.

Storage Advice for Ina Garten Rich Beef Barley Soup

• Refrigerate and Refresh: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Flavors will deepen and intensify overnight, making each reheated serving even more delicious.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring a comforting meal is always ready when needed.
• Smart Reheating Techniques: Gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent barley from becoming too thick.
• Portion and Prep Ahead: Divide soup into individual serving containers for quick grab-and-go lunches or weeknight dinners. Label with the date to track freshness and enjoy within the recommended storage timeframe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 6

Hearty Beef Barley Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty Ina Garten beef barley soup delivers comfort through robust flavors and nourishing ingredients. Home cooks can savor this classic soup’s deep, satisfying warmth with minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs (0.9 kg) beef oxtails
• 10 cups (2.4 L) canned beef broth
• 2 cups (475 mL) leeks, chopped (white and light green parts)
• 2 cups (475 mL) carrots, diced
• 1 cup (240 mL) yellow onion, chopped
• 1 cup (240 mL) celery, diced
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
• 1 cup (240 mL) pearled barley
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 3 bay leaves
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Protein Preparation: Sear oxtails in a large pot with olive oil, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Brown evenly over medium-high heat for 10 minutes, then transfer to a separate plate using a slotted spoon.
2. Vegetable Foundation: In the same pot, sauté leeks, carrots, onions, celery, and garlic until golden and fragrant. Create an herb bundle by tying thyme sprigs and adding bay leaves to the vegetable mixture.
3. Liquid Integration: Return seared oxtails to the pot, pour in beef broth, and season with additional salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 60 minutes to tenderize meat and develop robust flavors.
4. Barley Cooking: Simultaneously prepare barley in a separate pot by boiling water, adding barley, and simmering until tender. Drain excess water and set aside.
5. Flavor Refinement: Remove thyme bundle and bay leaves. Skim accumulated fat from the surface to enhance soup clarity and taste. Gently incorporate cooked barley into the stew, stirring to distribute evenly.
6. Final Touches: Continue cooking for 15-20 minutes to meld flavors and ensure barley reaches optimal tenderness. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, with option to enjoy oxtails within the soup or separately.

Notes

• Sear Meat Strategically: Brown oxtails thoroughly to unlock deep, rich flavor profiles and create a robust foundation for the soup.
• Vegetable Caramelization Matters: Cook vegetables slowly until golden-brown to develop complex, sweet undertones that elevate the overall taste.
• Herb Bundle Magic: Tie thyme sprigs together for easy removal and maximum flavor infusion without leaving herb fragments in the soup.
• Fat Skimming Technique: Remove surface fat to achieve a clearer, cleaner-tasting broth with concentrated beef essence.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg