Hearty Beef Soup for the Soul
Warm, comforting and full of familiar flavours, this Hearty Beef Soup combines tender beef, vegetables, barley and split peas in a rich, savoury broth.
This simple stovetop recipe is ideal for cooler days and can be prepared in one large pot. Serve it freshly made with chopped parsley and crusty sourdough bread.
Recipe overview
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: Approximately 2 hours
Serves: 4–6
Difficulty: Easy
Best enjoyed: Hot and freshly prepared
Ingredients
- 500 g beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, diced
- ½ bunch celery, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped or crushed
- Barley and split-pea soup mix, prepared in the quantity recommended on the packet
- 4 beef stock cubes
- 1 litre water, plus extra if required
- 1 mini scoop Quercetin powder
- Fresh parsley, roughly chopped, for garnish
- Crusty rye bread, to serve
- Salt and black pepper, optional and to taste
Method
- Prepare the beef by trimming away any excess fat and cutting it into bite-sized pieces.
- Peel and dice the onion.
- Wash and chop the celery.
- Peel or scrub the carrots and slice them into rounds.
- Peel and finely chop or crush the garlic cloves.
- Rinse the barley and split-pea soup mix according to the packet directions.
- Place the beef, onion, celery, carrots, garlic and soup mix into a large, heavy-based pot.
- Dissolve the beef stock cubes and Quercetin in one litre of warm water, then pour the stock into the pot.
- Stir the ingredients together and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover partially with a lid and simmer gently for approximately two hours.
- Stir occasionally and add a little extra water if the soup becomes thicker than preferred.
- Check that the beef, barley and split peas are tender before removing the pot from the heat.
- Taste and season with salt and black pepper if required.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish generously with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with crusty sourdough bread.
Tips for the best result
Cut the ingredients evenly – Similar-sized pieces help the beef and vegetables cook at an even rate.
Keep the simmer gentle – A slow, steady simmer helps tenderise the beef without rapidly reducing the liquid.
Stir occasionally – Barley and split peas may settle at the bottom of the pot, so stir the soup regularly during cooking.
Adjust the consistency – Add extra water or prepared stock if you prefer a lighter soup. Simmer uncovered near the end if you would like it thicker.
Check the soup mix directions – Some barley and split-pea mixes may require rinsing or soaking before cooking.
Taste before adding salt – Beef stock cubes can already contain a considerable amount of salt.
Allow extra cooking time if needed – The exact cooking time may vary depending on the cut and size of the beef pieces.
Optional variations
Add potatoes
Add two peeled and diced potatoes during the final hour of cooking.
Tomato variation
Add one can of diced tomatoes for a richer colour and a slightly sharper flavour.
Extra vegetables
Add chopped zucchini, green beans, peas or mushrooms during the final 30–45 minutes.
Herb variation
Add bay leaves, thyme or rosemary while the soup simmers. Remove any whole herb stems or bay leaves before serving.
Slow-cooker variation
Place the prepared ingredients into a slow cooker and cook until the beef, barley and split peas are tender. Follow the appliance manufacturer’s instructions for liquid quantities and cooking times.
Serving ideas
Serve Hearty Beef Soup:
- With crusty rye bread
- Garnished with fresh parsley
- With toasted bread or garlic bread
- With a small side salad
- In warmed bowls on a cool evening
- With freshly cracked black pepper
- As a generous lunch or evening meal
Storage
Allow leftover soup to cool before transferring it to a clean, airtight container.
Refrigerate promptly and consume within the recommended food-safety timeframe. Reheat thoroughly until steaming hot throughout before serving.
The soup may thicken during storage as the barley and split peas continue to absorb liquid. Add a small amount of water or stock while reheating if required.