Melanie's Beef Barley Soup

Frozen vegetables are paired with fresh onion, carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms for a beef barley soup that is both filling and nutritious. Requires 60 - 90 minutes of low simmer time.

• Calories: 404 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup chopped onion
• 3 cups water
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup fresh sliced mushrooms
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
• ½ cup barley
• 1 (16 ounce) package frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 2 pounds beef stew meat, diced into 1 inch pieces
• ½ teaspoon minced garlic
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 small red potatoes, cut into chunks

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Season beef stew chunks with salt and pepper to taste. Place seasoned beef in a large soup pot. Add 2 tablespoons of oil and saute for 5 minutes on high heat. Remove meat. Add 2 more tablespoons of oil to pot and add onions, carrots and mushrooms. Saute for 5 minutes, stirring often. Add garlic and thyme to pot and saute for 3 more minutes.

Step 2

Add the chicken broth and 3 cups of water to pot. Add the frozen mixed vegetables, potatoes and barley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir all together and bring to a boil. Cover pot, reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.