How to Make the Best Beef Barley Soup from Scratch

This Beef Barley Soup is a wholesome, comforting dish featuring tender lean beef, hearty barley, and a vibrant mix of vegetables. It brings all the rich, cozy flavors of a traditional stew but in a lighter, guilt-free version. Ideal for meal prep, warming up on cold nights, or recharging after a hectic day, this recipe is as nourishing as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort Food, WW-Style: Hearty and nourishing without the excess calories.
• Meal Prep Hero: Tastes even better the next day and freezes beautifully.
• High in Fiber: Barley and veggies keep you full and support digestion.
• Customizable: Swap veggies, adjust spices, or use turkey for a lighter twist.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the savory, savory broth.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean stew beef (trimmed of fat, cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or cooking spray for 0 points)
• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 medium carrots (sliced)
• 3 stalks celery (sliced)
• 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
• 6 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (no salt added)
• 1/2 cup pearl barley (uncooked)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 2 cups fresh spinach (for added greens)

Instructions

Brown the Beef

1. Heat olive oil (or cooking spray) in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Season beef with salt and pepper, then brown in batches until lightly seared (3-4 minutes per batch). Remove and set aside.

Sauté the Veggies

1. Add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and mushrooms to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.

Simmer the Soup

1. Return beef to the pot. Stir in broth, diced tomatoes, barley, thyme, paprika, and bay leaves.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45-50 minutes, until beef is tender and barley is cooked.

Finish & Serve

1. Discard bay leaves. Stir in fresh spinach (if using) and cook until wilted (2-3 minutes).
2. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Nutritional Information

(Per serving)

• Calories: ~250
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 5g
• WW SmartPoints: 7 (with olive oil) or 8 (with cooking spray and lean beef).

Tips for Success

1. Trim the Fat: Use 95% lean beef to minimize points.
2. Slow Cooker Option: Brown beef and veggies first, then cook on low for 6-8 hours.
3. Boost Veggies: Add zucchini, peas, or kale for extra volume and nutrients.
4. Barley Swap: Replace barley with quinoa or farro (adjust points as needed).

Why This Recipe Works for Weight Watchers

• Lean Protein: Beef provides iron and protein without excess fat.
• Fiber-Packed Barley: Keeps you full longer and aids digestion.
• Low-Sodium Broth: Controls salt intake while maximizing flavor.

Serving Ideas

• With Bread: Pair with a slice of whole-grain bread (track points).
• Salad Side: Serve with a zero-point cucumber-tomato salad.
• Freeze It: Portion leftovers into containers for easy reheating.

This Beef Barley Soup is the ultimate comfort food upgrade—nutritious, flavorful, and perfectly portioned for your wellness journey. With tender beef, chewy barley, and a savory broth, it’s a meal that warms you from the inside out while keeping SmartPoints in check. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or craving a cozy dinner, this soup is a delicious reminder that healthy eating can be deeply satisfying.