When the chilly weather rolls in, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of comfort food to brighten your day. Imagine savory beef mingling with tender barley and fresh spinach, all simmered to perfection. These homemade recipes not only fill your home with delightful aromas, but they also bring a smile to your face with every hearty spoonful!
Classic Spinach Beef Barley Soup

Beef Barley Soup with Spinach from Beef – It's What's For Dinner
Ingredients: 2 h 5 min Total Time: 2 h 5 min.

Best Beef Barley Vegetable Soup from Two Kooks In The Kitchen
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: 1 h 20 min Total Time: 1 h 20 min.
This classic soup is a true crowd-pleaser, combining the rich flavors of seasoned beef with the earthy goodness of barley. The cooking technique here involves sautéing the beef until it’s beautifully browned, then adding vegetables and broth to let everything simmer together. What makes this recipe special is the way the barley absorbs all the flavors, creating a creamy, comforting texture that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon thyme
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, stirring until the vegetables are softened.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Add the barley and thyme, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for about 30 minutes, or until the barley is tender.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Enjoy the warm, hearty flavors of this classic soup, perfect for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends!
Spinach and Beef Barley Casserole

Beef and Barley Stew from Slimming Eats
Rating: 4.5. Ingredients: 1 h 40 min Total Time: 1 h 40 min.

Old Fashioned Beef Barley Stew from Feeling Foodish
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: 1 h 45 min Total Time: 1 h 45 min.
This delightful casserole takes comfort food to a whole new level. By layering ground beef, barley, and spinach, then baking it all together, you create a dish that’s not only filling but also bursting with flavor. The special twist here is the melty cheese that gets added right at the end, creating a golden crust that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned, then add the onion and garlic until softened.
- Stir in the beef broth, pearl barley, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Fold in the fresh spinach and season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with shredded cheese, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve this casserole straight from the oven, and watch everyone’s faces light up with joy as they dig into this cheesy, hearty delight!
Spinach Beef Barley Stir-Fry
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner option, this stir-fry is a fantastic choice! With tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and chewy barley, this dish is all about vibrant flavors and textures. What makes this recipe stand out is the quick cooking method that keeps everything fresh and colorful, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb flank steak, sliced thinly
- 1 cup cooked barley
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil over high heat. Add the sliced flank steak and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the onion and bell pepper, stirring until they begin to soften.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Fold in the cooked barley and spinach, then drizzle with soy sauce. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
This stir-fry is not only delicious but also a colorful and nutritious meal that’s ready in no time, making it a perfect go-to recipe for busy days!