Beef and Barley with Mushrooms (Printable)

Tender beef, pearl barley, and baby bella mushrooms in a rich aromatic broth with pancetta.

# Ingredient list:

→ Meats

01 - 1 pound beef chuck roast, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
02 - 4 ounces pancetta, diced

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 pound baby bella mushrooms, sliced
04 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
05 - 2 medium carrots, diced
06 - 2 celery stalks, diced
07 - 3 garlic cloves, minced

→ Grains

08 - 3/4 cup pearl barley, rinsed

→ Liquids

09 - 8 cups low-sodium beef broth
10 - 1 cup water

→ Aromatics and Seasonings

11 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
12 - 2 bay leaves
13 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
14 - 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
15 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
16 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
17 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Garnish

18 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

# How-to:

01 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add pancetta and cook until browned and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Season beef cubes with salt and pepper. Working in batches, sear beef in the pot until browned on all sides, approximately 5-6 minutes per batch. Remove and reserve.
02 - Add remaining olive oil to the pot. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add sliced mushrooms to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms release their juices and begin to brown, approximately 6-8 minutes.
04 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Return beef and pancetta to the pot. Add barley, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, beef broth, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender and barley is fully cooked.
05 - Remove bay leaves. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Ladle soup into serving bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The smoky pancetta and seared beef create a complex, deeply savory base.
  • Nutty pearl barley and meaty mushrooms provide a satisfying, rustic texture.
  • It is a complete, high-protein meal that fills the kitchen with a wonderful aroma.
02 -
  • Check your beef broth label to ensure it meets your dietary needs, especially regarding gluten or soy derivatives.
  • Searing the beef in batches prevents it from steaming, ensuring a better crust and richer flavor profile.
  • The soup will thicken as it sits; if reheating, you may need to add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Return