Instant Pot Beef Barley Soup: A Hearty and Easy Comfort Meal
When the temperatures drop, there’s nothing more satisfying than a warm, hearty bowl of soup. Clara Cooks brings you this comforting Instant Pot Beef Barley Soup, a perfect blend of tender beef, nutritious barley, and flavorful broth. This easy-to-make meal is not only delicious but also a fantastic choice for meal prep. If you’re looking for easy recipes with ground beef that don’t compromise on taste, this is the one for you!
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- What Makes Barley a Nutritional Powerhouse?
- Choosing the Right Cut of Beef
- Instant Pot Cooking Tips for the Best Flavor
- Serving Suggestions and Pairings
- Storing and Reheating for Meal Prep
- Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
- This soup is a perfect one-pot meal that is both easy to prepare and packed with nutrients.
- The Instant Pot ensures the beef is tender and the flavors are well-developed in under an hour.
- Barley adds a delightful chewiness and boosts the fiber content, making it a healthier choice.
- It’s an excellent meal prep option that reheats well throughout the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something special about a homemade soup that fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma. This Instant Pot Beef Barley Soup is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick but hearty meal. Not only does it come together effortlessly, but it also tastes like it’s been simmering all day. If you love easy recipes for dinner beef, this soup is a must-try!
What Makes Barley a Nutritional Powerhouse?
Barley is the secret ingredient that elevates this soup beyond just another beef dish. Packed with fiber, it promotes good digestion and keeps you full longer. Compared to other grains, barley also offers a rich, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with beef. If you’re looking for quick and easy recipes with ground beef that also add great texture, the barley in this soup makes it stand out.
Choosing the Right Cut of Beef
The key to achieving a tender and flavorful soup is using the right cut of beef. For this recipe, beef stew meat is ideal as it becomes incredibly soft after pressure cooking. If you have easy recipes with ground beef simple in mind, you can also swap out the stew meat for ground beef for a different texture.
Instant Pot Cooking Tips for the Best Flavor
Using the Instant Pot for soups not only cuts down on cooking time but also intensifies flavors. To get the best results, always brown the beef first. This adds depth to the broth and enhances the overall taste. Also, using high-quality beef broth and adding fresh herbs just before serving will elevate this soup to restaurant-quality.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Enjoy this soup with crusty bread, a side salad, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for added richness. A glass of red wine or a comforting cup of tea makes for a cozy evening meal. If you enjoy easy recipes with ground beef and potatoes, try serving this soup with a baked potato on the side for an extra filling dish.
Storing and Reheating for Meal Prep
This soup stores exceptionally well and tastes even better the next day. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave for a quick and nourishing meal.
Instant Pot Beef Barley Soup – Easy Recipes with Ground Beef
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 3/4 cup pearl barley
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil.
- Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the browned beef to the pot. Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, barley, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and the bay leaf.
- Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 25 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is done, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
- Remove the bay leaf and stir well. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
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