Print

Instant Pot Beef Barley Soup

Beef barley soup in a white bowl

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 2 reviews

A wholesome stew of beef, barley, potatoes and vegetables with fresh thyme and a flavorful broth.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 1/2 pounds beef chuck roast, fat trimmed, diced
  • 1/2 tablespoon oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 medium Yukon gold or red potatoes, diced
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme, stemmed and minced
  • 1 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/2-1 cup pearled barley (use more if you like more)
  • 5-6 cups unsalted beef stock (use less or more, depending on how brothy you like it)
  • 1-2 cubes all-natural low sodium bouillon (optional)
  • 2 bay leaves

Instructions

  1. Turn the Instant Pot on the saute setting. Heat oil, add the diced beef and saute until browned on all sides. Add the onion, carrots, celery and potatoes and saute 3-4 minutes or until slightly soft. Stir in garlic, thyme, salt, black pepper, celery salt, dry mustard and barley.
  2. Add stock, bouillon (if using) and bay leaf. Secure lid on the Instant Pot with toggle on sealed. Set on high pressure for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, carefully use a wooden spoon to push toggle to venting to release the steam. Carefully remove the lid; scoop out bay leaf and discard. 
  3. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary. 

Notes

Stove-Top Instructions: Heat oil in a Dutch oven to medium heat. Add beef and saute until browned on all sides. Add vegetables and saute an additional 4-5 minutes. Stir in garlic, seasonings and barley. Add stock, bouillon and bay leaf and bring to a simmer, cooking 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until barley is cooked. Discard bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.

Slow Cooker Instructions: Heat oil in a Dutch oven to medium heat. Add beef and saute until browned on all sides. Transfer to a slow cooker and add the remaining soup ingredients. Cook on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.

Nutrition