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Home » Recipes » Instant Pot Pressure Cooking

Instant Pot Beef Barley Soup

Published: Jan 31, 2023 by Bowl Me Over · 22 Comments

Jump to Recipe

Instant Pot Beef and Barley Soup - An easy-to-make, flavorful soup filled with tender meat, plump barley and lots of vegetables. This big beefy stew is hearty and satisfying. Because it's made in the pressure cooker it tastes like a soup that has been slowly simmered all day.

Next time try Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings.

White bowls filled with Instant Pot Beef Barley Soup
Hearty Beef Barley Soup
Jump to:
  • Why you'll love this recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Stove top instructions
  • Crockpot instructions
  • FAQ's
  • Tips
  • Variations
  • Storage
  • Related Recipes
  • Serve with
  • Instant Pot Beef Barley Soup Recipe

Why you'll love this recipe

Slow-cooked soups are best made on weekends and holidays, right? Well no more! When you use your pressure cooker, it takes less than half the time!

✔️ It’s done in less than an hour!

✔️ It's a hearty soup and one of our favorite soups for a cold day.

✔️ It's affordable as well, like the Potato Soup with Ham recipe (which is also made in the pressure cooker).

✔️ You'll find all the ingredients you need at the grocery store - no hunting around for special ingredients.

This is one of our favorite soup recipes! It's a meal your whole family will enjoy! Rich roast beef, sautéed veggies and tender barley – what’s not to love? This easy recipe makes 8 generous servings, so it’s easy on your wallet also!

A ladle of beef barley soup being scooped out of an Instant Pot.
Best Beef Barley Soup Recipe

Ingredients

For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. 

  • round-steak - beef chuck roast, beef stew meat, or leftover roast beef
  • pearled barley - a delicious whole grain, you'll find it in the dried beans section
  • crushed tomatoes OR canned French onion soup and beef consommé - big shortcut on flavor
  • flavorful beef broth - low sodium is best, you can substitute with chicken broth if you'd prefer.
  • carrots, celery, onion, sliced mushrooms, garlic and frozen peas - tons of fresh vegetables make this soup extra hearty.
  • salt, pepper, bay leaf, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes - seasonings to perfect flavor the soup.

Instructions

This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!

  1. Trim fat from the round-steak (if desired). Cut stew meat into small cubes. Sprinkle the meat with salt and pepper, set aside.
  2. Peel and dice carrots and onion. Slice the mushrooms. Mince the garlic.
  3. Turn the Instant Pot on saute mode, when it is hot add the olive oil and round-steak.
  4. Brown meat on all sides.
  5. Add the carrots and onions along with the Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine. Sauté for another couple of minutes. Add the garlic and stir again.
  6. Now add the liquid, both soups, and the stock. Add the bay leaves and barley. Stir everything to combine. Scrape the browned bits off the bottom of the pan.
  7. Turn the Instant Pot off, then press the manual setting. Set the timer to 20 minutes, high pressure. Top with the lid and seal. Turn the valve to seal.
  8. When the timer is done your meal is complete. Do a quick pressure release, stir and serve!
  9. Optional - stir in a handful of minced parsley and a tablespoon of red wine vinegar. It will brighten the flavors of the soup.

Stove top instructions

  1. Stovetop directions for Beef Barley Soup – brown the meat, add the vegetables as described in the instruction.
  2. Add the liquid, cover and simmer for 2-3 hours until the meat is tender and the barley is cooked through.
  3. Add the peas at the end just prior to serving.

Crockpot instructions

  1. Omit the olive oil when using the slow cooker. Add all of the ingredients to the crockpot. Cover and set on low cook 8-10 hours or until the meat is tender.
  2. Add the peas at the end, stir well and serve.
White bowl filled with stew on blue platter with spoons.
Easy Beef and Barley Soup Instant Pot

FAQ's

If you've never made barley you might have a few questions. We love it and it's perfect when added to soups and stews. I think you'll really enjoy it also. If I missed a question, don't hesitate to comment or pop me an email!

Do you cook barley before adding to soup?

No need to precook the barley. It is added to the soup along with the rest of the stew ingredients.

Does barley need to be soaked before cooking?

There is no need to soak the barley before cooking. Just rinse it well under cool water prior to adding it to the pressure cooker.

How long does it take to cook barley in the soup?

What can take 45 minutes on the stovetop happens quickly when using an Instant Pot. Twenty minutes under pressure and the barley is plump and cooked.

Can I freeze beef barley soup?

Yes, this soup freezes great! After the soup is completely cooled, place it in a freezer container and seal well. It will last up to three months.

Tips

Wait to add the frozen peas until thereat is completely cooked. If you add them earlier, they will get mushy.

Beef Barley Soup in white bowls with spoon.
Hearty and delicious you'll love this soup!

Variations

  • You can really add a variety of vegetables to this soup, potatoes, green beans, corn, zucchini, really any fresh vegetables.
  • A dash of Worcestershire sauce is a great addition and will deepen the flavor of the soup.
  • Adding a tablespoon of tomato paste will deepen the flavor without making it overly tomato-ee. (Is that a word? Well you know what I mean! 🤣)

Storage

Refrigerate - Allow to cool completely, store in an airtight container up to three days.

Freeze - This soup freezes great up to three months.

Reheat - Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Related Recipes

Corned Beef Stew - This soup is rich, thick and delicious!

Instant Pot Lentil Soup and Instant Pot Chicken Soup are both recipes that are made in the pressure cooker. Both easy to make, hearty soups!

Serve with

Serve with crusty bread! Make a batch of fresh dinner rolls (this recipe uses frozen bread dough and it's super easy!) or these Cheesy Pizza Hut Breadsticks.

This make-ahead Roast Beef Rollups Recipe is the perfect bite with this soup!

Serve a salad with this meal, that would be super yummy as well! This Garden Salad Recipe is just so good!

White bowl filled with stew on blue platter with spoons.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
5 from 10 votes

Instant Pot Beef Barley Soup Recipe

This homemade soup is filled with beefy flavor, tender barley and loads of veggies. You'll love this meal!
Prevent your screen from going dark
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Total Time40 mins
Course: Lunch or Dinner
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 191kcal
Author: Deb Clark
Cost: $12
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound round steak cut into cubes
  • 15 ounces crushed tomatoes or one 10.5 oz can each French onion soup and beef consommé
  • 4 cups beef stock
  • 1 yellow onion peeled and diced
  • 3 carrots peeled and diced
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms I used a package of pre-sliced mushrooms
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • ¾ cup pearl barley
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 bay leaf

I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.

Instructions

  • Remove the fat from the round-steak (if desired). Cut the steak into small cubes. Sprinkle the meat with salt and pepper, set aside.
  • Peel and dice the carrots and onion. Slice the mushrooms. Mince the garlic.
  • Turn the Instant Pot on sauté, when it is hot add the olive oil and round-steak.
  • Allow the meat to brown and on all sides. About two minutes per side.
  • Add the carrots and onions along with the Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine. Sauté for another couple of minutes. Add the garlic and stir again.
  • Now add the liquid, both soups, and the stock. Add the bay leaves and barley. Scrape the brown bits off the bottom of the pot - that adds flavor! Stir everything to combine.
  • Turn the Instant Pot off, then press the manual setting. Set the timer to 20 minutes. Top with the lid and seal. Turn the valve to seal.
  • When the timer is done your meal is complete. Do a quick release, stir and serve!
  • Optional - stir in a handful of minced parsley and a tablespoon of red wine vinegar. It will brighten the flavors of the soup.

Notes

How to make Beef Barley Soup on the stovetop or in the slow cooker;

  • Slow Cooker Directions – Add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker (minus the olive oil). Set on low. Cook 8-10 hours or until the meat is tender. Add the peas at the end, stir well and serve.
  • Stovetop directions – start with a large stock pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil and brown the meat. Next add the vegetables as described in the directions above. Simmer for a couple of hours until the meat is tender and the barley is completely cooked. Add the peas at the end just prior to serving.
I originally created this recipe using french onion and beef consommé canned soup. I've updated the recipe using crushed tomatoes and I really like this version better. If you prefer to make this like the original recipe use one can each of french onion and beef consommé soup instead crushed tomatoes. Follow the rest of the recipe as written.

Nutrition

Calories: 191kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 436mg | Potassium: 680mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 3960IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 3mg
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About Bowl Me Over

Welcome to Bowl Me Over! My name is Debra and I send warm greetings from sunny California. I am a serious foodie – I’ve been known as the go-to girl in our family for years, catering weddings and anniversary parties. In the summer I help cook mountains of food for our family reunions. Often times things I create end up in a bowl, hence the name Bowl Me Over! Let's stay connected, you can email me at [email protected] and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lois

    February 08, 2020 at 10:47 am

    5 stars
    This is a wonderful satisfying soup. So tasty.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      February 08, 2020 at 5:09 pm

      I'm so glad you enjoyed it Lois!!!

      Reply
  2. Christie

    March 19, 2018 at 12:24 pm

    5 stars
    I haven't had beef and barley soup in forever! Since it's go to snow this week, I'll be putting it on the menu!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      March 21, 2018 at 5:17 am

      Barley soup is so good! Such a classic meal, I hope you give this a try Christie!!

      Reply
  3. Michele Phillips

    March 19, 2018 at 11:55 am

    5 stars
    We're allllllll about soups in our house, and beef barley is definitely a favorite! Love all the veggies and flavors that you've included in this recipe! And that shopping list is SUCH a time saver for those of us who are trying to be more organized! 🙂

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      March 21, 2018 at 5:17 am

      Wonderful then I know you'll love this one Michele - enjoy!

      Reply
  4. Angela

    March 19, 2018 at 11:28 am

    5 stars
    I'm going to be getting an instant pot very soon and this is definitely going to be one of the first things I make for sure!! I love beef & barley and the ease of this recipe sounds amazing~

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      March 21, 2018 at 5:18 am

      Oooh! Swing back by and enter the giveaway on the blog! You'll find it on the Chef's Blend Spice Mix - good luck Angela!

      Reply
  5. Jennifer A Stewart

    March 19, 2018 at 10:59 am

    5 stars
    My mom used to make beef and barley soup and at first I was not a fan but totally love it now!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      March 21, 2018 at 5:19 am

      Wonderful, I hope you give it a try Jennifer - thank you for stopping by!

      Reply
  6. Sandra Shaffer

    March 17, 2018 at 10:28 am

    5 stars
    Yep! I'm on the Instant Pot bandwagon and LOVE the meals that I have made so far. This beef barley soup looks delicious and soooo nutritious! Have you tried freezing this soup? I would like to make in advance so I can have ready-made meals.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      March 18, 2018 at 8:32 pm

      Yes Sandra, this soup freezes great! It’s perfect for make ahead - truly one of those soups that get better with time also!

      Reply
  7. Michelle

    March 17, 2018 at 9:10 am

    I love soups like this! I really do need to invest in an Instant Pot!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      March 18, 2018 at 8:31 pm

      Enter the contest I have running Michelle - perhaps you’ll win one!!!

      Reply
  8. michele

    March 17, 2018 at 8:56 am

    5 stars
    I love anything that screams comfort food.... and this fits that bIll! Im a recent corned beef convert and Ive been looking for new recipes to try with it. (How did I go all my life without trying that?). Pinning to make asap!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      March 18, 2018 at 8:30 pm

      Enjoy Michele - this soup has a ton of flavor and it’s easy too - love that! Thank you so much for stopping by!

      Reply
  9. [email protected]'s Dinnertime Dish.com

    March 16, 2018 at 7:20 am

    5 stars
    I love making soup in the Instant Pot, it's so easy and it tastes like it cooked all day! This soup looks absolutely amazing and I'm sure it tastes fantastic!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      March 18, 2018 at 8:27 pm

      Thank you so much Lisa, I hope you get a chance to give it a try!

      Reply
  10. Liza

    March 14, 2018 at 11:52 pm

    5 stars
    Mmm! Love it! Beef and barley can be so tricky to make! Especially if you don't have all day to cook. This recipe is so perfect for a one-bowl meal for the whole family! Definitely making it! 🙂

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      March 18, 2018 at 8:26 pm

      It can take all day Liza!! Or soak up every ounce of liquid if you don’t measure it right. It’s a tricky ingredient, but tasty too. I’m so pleased with this soup, thank you for stopping by!

      Reply
  11. Sandi

    March 12, 2018 at 12:33 pm

    5 stars
    I could use a big bowl of hot soup! I love that you used the Instant Pot, that is my new favorite way to make soup quickly!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      March 12, 2018 at 7:48 pm

      Yes!! That Instant Pot is such a great kitchen tool - I love mine too!

      Reply

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