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Oma's German Beef Barley Soup Recipe (Rindfleisch-Gerste-Suppe)

Make this beef barley soup recipe, Gerstensuppe mit Rindfleisch, when you need some real stick-to-your-ribs kind of German comfort food. Easy to change up and use what you have in your fridge.

Barley is a very healthy grain to incorporate into your diet.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) bottom round steak
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 7½ cups (1.8 liters) hot water
• bouillon cubes (use enough for 5 cups (1.2 liters) liquid)
• ⅔ cup (133 grams) pot barley
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon (6 grams) salt
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 medium celery rib, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped

Instructions:

1. Cut the beef into ½-inch cubes.
2. In a large stock pot, brown the beef in the olive oil.
3. Stir in the hot water, bouillon cubes, barley, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. Cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 1 hour.
5. Add the celery, carrots, and onions.
6. Cover and continue to simmer for about 45 minutes, until the meat and vegetables are tender.
7. Season with more salt and pepper, if needed. Remove bay leaves, and serve.

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Updated: March 1, 2026