When the weather turns chilly and you’re craving something warm, Instant Pot Beef Barley Soup is the perfect solution. This one-pot meal is hearty, filling, and packed with robust flavors from tender beef, earthy barley, and a medley of aromatic vegetables. With the Instant Pot, you can create this comforting, satisfying soup in less than an hour, making it the perfect dish for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week ahead. The barley adds a chewy texture, the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the broth is rich and flavorful, making each spoonful feel like a warm hug.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized cubes, preferably chuck roast for tenderness)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 3 carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 2 celery stalks (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup pearl barley (rinsed)
- 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Sear the Beef:
- Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting and heat the olive oil. Add the beef stew meat and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Brown the beef for about 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are seared. This step will help lock in the flavors and add richness to the soup. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same Instant Pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the Broth and Barley:
- Return the seared beef to the Instant Pot. Add the rinsed barley, beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and an additional pinch of salt and pepper.
- Stir everything together to combine.
- Pressure Cook:
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to “Sealing”. Select “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” and set the time for 30 minutes on high pressure.
- Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.
- Finish and Serve:
- Open the Instant Pot, remove the bay leaf, and taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Tips:
- Beef Choices: Use chuck roast for the best result, as it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after pressure cooking. You can also use other cuts like brisket or round steak.
- Barley: Pearl barley is the best choice for this soup, as it cooks up tender and slightly chewy. If you prefer, you can substitute it with a quick-cooking barley, but be sure to adjust the cook time.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like parsnips, potatoes, or green beans for variety.
- Extra Flavor: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the broth for an extra layer of umami flavor.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Nutrition (per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Protein: ~30g
- Fat: ~15g
- Carbs: ~30g
- Fiber: ~5g
- WW Points: 8 points (depending on beef choice and broth used)
Why You’ll Love This Soup:
This Instant Pot Beef Barley Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining hearty beef, chewy barley, and aromatic vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth. The Instant Pot makes it easy to prepare, so you can enjoy a cozy, soul-warming bowl without spending hours in the kitchen. The barley adds a satisfying texture, the beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the broth is savory and rich with herbs. This soup is the perfect balance of nutrition and flavor, offering plenty of protein, fiber, and wholesome ingredients to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Whether it’s a cold winter day or a busy weeknight, this soup will warm you up and fill you with comfort.
