Transform leftover prime rib into a hearty and comforting Beef Barley Soup that's perfect for chilly evenings. This recipe is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to reduce food waste. With its rich, beefy flavor and satisfying texture, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Let's dive into this mouthwatering recipe that's perfect for using up those leftover holiday roasts.
Ingredients
Before we start, gather your ingredients. Here's what you'll need:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 carrots, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups leftover prime rib, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tbsp cold water (if using cornstarch)
Instructions
Sauté the vegetables
In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Add the broth and simmer
Pour in the beef broth and water. Stir in the leftover prime rib, pearl barley, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer, partially covered, for about 45 minutes, or until the barley is tender.
Thicken the soup (optional)
If you prefer a thicker soup, mix the cornstarch with the cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Slowly pour the mixture into the soup while stirring continuously. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the soup has thickened to your desired consistency.
Finish and serve
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaf and discard it. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with some chopped fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious Beef Barley Soup made with leftover prime rib!

Nutrition Information
| Serving Size | Calories | Total Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol | Sodium | Total Carbohydrate | Dietary Fiber | Sugars | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | 350 | 12g | 5g | 50mg | 650mg | 30g | 6g | 3g | 25g |
This Beef Barley Soup recipe serves 6-8 people. The nutrition information is approximate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used and the exact amount of each ingredient.























