41 Reviews of Best Beef Barley Soup

From: Audrey M

On Apr 9, 2003

Wow!! This was fantastic. I made it in my 6 quart Rival slow cooker and was able to get 14 servings from this recipe. My family of five all had two bowls. I did make a few adjustments. I addded 1 teaspoon of crushed garlic, used 3 large carrots, 2 stalks of celery. I got everything ready the night before and just plug in the slow cooker in the morning. Cooked it on low for 10 hours. The flavor was fabulous. Next time, I might add 1/2 cup of red wine. Thanks for posting.

From: twinsplusonemom

On May 8, 2003

This was a real hit! My nine year old gave it a "9" on a scale from one to ten. I agree! I must've taste-tested this twenty times..."ooo, this is good, but I better taste it again just to be sure." My kids weren't fooled! They came to the table right away when I called them (this is rare!) The only changes I will make next time: half the barley and/or double the broth, water and au jus. As is, the barley soaked up all the wonderful broth and I didn't have much to dip my bread into. I did add more carrots and celery, just cuz I love the flavor. Awesome for Wisconsin freezing winters and rainy spring days...and just when we want something hearty!

From: Chisel Monkey

On Nov 17, 2003

Loved this soup!! I was swayed by the reviews. I've tried a slew of recipies for B.B. soup, and was never satisfied. I loved this one! The only change I made was adding a 14.5 oz. can of diced tomatoes. The family loved it ! Thanks!!

From: karen in tbay

On Apr 7, 2003

I love barley soups and my 18 month old couldn't get enuf of this hearty thick soup. I used leftover moose roast from crockpot #25508 with the au jus.Keeper!

From: hottiecj

On May 21, 2006

This one is a definate keeper! DH, who usually turns his nose up at anything with a veggie floating in it, had 3 bowls! My 8 yo and 5 yo twins even loved it. Due to constant morning sickness I could only have a little, but it was de-lic-ious. I'm anticipating the day when my tummy finally settles down and I can scarf this properly! ;P I used a lb of ground round for the beef. And I heeded the advice of other reviewers and doubled the juice, and only put in 3/4 cup pearl barley. This made the perfect amount and consistany of broth. My grocery store only had the au jus mix so I used that. I fixed brown-and-serve rolls and they were perfect for dipping in the yummy broth. Five stars all the way! Thanks for the great recipe!

From: TOOLBELT DIVA

On Apr 16, 2003

I LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT. Beef-Barley soup is my all time favourite and always order it in restaurants when on the menu. I could never quite get a recipe I really "liked", until this one. Thanks for your posting. I made this (just to have around), and we ate the whole pot. Delicious.

From: HisMonie

On Jun 11, 2003

Delicious fer sure!! What a wonderful meal in itself! I stayed true to the recipe, just adding another carrot and an extra drop or two of Worchesterire sauce. Serve with homemade hot rolls. A definite keeper! Thank you countrylady!!! -Monie

From: ms_bold

On Jan 13, 2005

Very easy, and very flavorful soup. I used 2 cups of chicken broth, and 4 cups of beef broth and omitted the water and au jus mix. This was a great way to use up leftover roast beef. The barley made it extra hearty and perfect for a cold winter night.

From: debita

On Nov 6, 2005

More like a stew, than a soup. I had planned to use the soup recipe on the barley box, but this sounded much better. I used ground beef, and added a small bag of frozen mixed vegetables.

From: mrsrexy

On Jan 26, 2005

In order to give a fair review, I made the recipe as posted (originally); however, as other postings have indicated, the barley soaks up all the juice and it got too thick, so I had to add more beef stock. The soup has lots of flavour and the carrots give it nice colour! When I make it again, I will add less barley (perhaps 3/4 cup) and more stock.