Description
Hearty and wholesome Beef Cabbage Barley Soup that is filling and flavorful. This one-pot meal combines tender ground beef, nutritious cabbage, and chewy barley in a savory broth with tomato sauce and miso paste. Ready in just 1 hour 20 minutes with minimal prep, it’s perfect for meal prep and freezer-friendly for convenience.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped (approximately 1 medium onion)
- ½ tablespoon garlic, minced
- 4 cups cabbage, chopped
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- ½ cup dry barley
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 2 cups tomato sauce (16 oz.)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon miso paste
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the oil and brown the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes until sizzling. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring frequently, for 5 to 7 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Stir well to combine and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions are softened and translucent.
- Add vegetables and barley: Stir in the chopped cabbage, peeled and sliced carrots, dry barley, and bay leaves. Cook everything together for 2 minutes to combine flavors.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the tomato sauce, soy sauce, miso paste, and water. Stir thoroughly to mix all ingredients evenly. Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer gently for 1 hour. This allows the barley to soften and expand while blending the flavors.
- Serve and garnish: Remove the bay leaves and ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with fresh parsley and serve warm for a nutritious and comforting meal.
Notes
- This soup is freezer-friendly—cool completely before storing in airtight containers.
- For a thicker consistency, reduce the amount of water slightly or cook uncovered during the last 15 minutes.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content if desired.
- Barley provides fiber and a chewy texture; soak it briefly beforehand if you prefer quicker cooking.
- Vegetables can be substituted or added to suit taste, such as celery or potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
