Beef & Barley Soup

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds beef chuck or stew meat, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¾ cup pearl barley, rinsed
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef in the Air Fryer

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
2. Toss beef pieces with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Place beef in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
4. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway, until browned.

2. Prepare the Soup Base

1. In an air fryer-safe pot or baking dish, combine:
   • Browned beef
   • Onion
   • Carrots
   • Celery
   • Garlic
   • Barley
   • Beef broth
   • Water
   • Tomato paste
   • Worcestershire sauce
   • Thyme
   • Bay leaf
2. Cover tightly with foil or a lid.

3. Cook the Soup

1. Reduce air fryer temperature to 320°F (160°C).
2. Place the covered dish in the air fryer.
3. Cook for 60–75 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
4. Check that the beef is tender and the barley is fully cooked.
5. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

4. Serve

1. Garnish with fresh parsley.
2. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Beef Browning: 8–10 minutes
• Soup Cooking: 60–75 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes