Description
This comforting Instant Pot Beef Barley Soup is a hearty, farmhouse-inspired meal that delivers slow-cooked flavor in a fraction of the time. Featuring succulent, tender beef chunks, chewy pearl barley, and a vibrant medley of garden vegetables like carrots and celery, this nutrient-dense soup is perfect for busy weeknights. The pressure cooker method achieves perfectly cooked grains and tender beef, creating a rich, savory broth that is wholesome, satisfying, and incredibly easy to prepare for the whole family.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
6 carrots, chopped
5 celery stalks, chopped
1 large onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup pearl barley
10 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (alcohol-free)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Set the Instant Pot to the Sauté function and heat the olive oil.
Add the beef stew meat and sear until browned on all sides; remove and set aside.
Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot, sautéing for 3-5 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Return the beef to the pot and add the pearl barley, beef broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce.
Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing; cook on High Pressure for 25 minutes.
Allow for a natural pressure release for 15 minutes before carefully opening the lid.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.
Notes
Ensure you use a certified alcohol-free Worcestershire sauce to maintain the integrity of the recipe. Pearl barley works best here, but you can use hulled barley if preferred, though it will require a longer cooking time. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg