If you’re in search of a hearty and cozy meal, look no farther than these barley soup recipes.
25 Comforting Barley Soup Recipes
Updated on Jun. 21, 2024
1/25
Southwest Barley & Lentil Soup
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings (4-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My family makes lentil soup every new year for good luck. My mom has been making it since I was little. Over time, we've tweaked it so that all our family and friends love it. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 366 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 904mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 17g fiber), 21g protein.
2/25
Cabbage Barley Soup
Total Time
6 hours 30 min
Servings
8 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My neighbor had an abundance of cabbage, so a group of us had a contest to see who could come up with the best cabbage dish. My vegetarian soup was the clear winner. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 197 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 678mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat.
3/25
Butternut Squash and Barley Soup
Total Time
5 hours 35 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to use my garden produce in this veggie-packed soup. Serve it with bread or oatmeal dinner rolls and you have a delicious, healthy dinner. —Julie Sloan, Osceola, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 120 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 493mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.
4/25
Deb’s Mushroom & Barley Soup
Total Time
6 hours 25 min
Servings
10 servings (3-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Nothing is more comforting than coming home to this rich soup! I prepare the ingredients the night before and start the slow cooker on my way out the door in the morning. —Debra Kamerman, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 180 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 967mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 15g protein.
5/25
Chicken Barley Soup
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
No question—this is my favorite barley soup! It's so filling that I serve it as a hearty main dish, and I have given the recipe to many of our friends and relatives. It simply tastes too good to keep to yourself! —Diana Costello, Marion, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 259 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 127mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
6/25
Spiced-Up Healthy Soup
Total Time
55 min
Servings
14 servings (3-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
“This has been a hit with family and friends. It’s spicy, low-fat and filled with good-for-you ingredients.” Diane Tayman — Dixon, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 156 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 601mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 7g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
7/25
Turkey and Vegetable Barley Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Using ingredients on hand, I stirred up this turkey and veggie-packed soup. If you have them, corn, beans and celery are great here, too. —Lisa Wiger, St. Michael, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 208 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 662mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
8/25
Beef Barley Soup
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
9 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty beef barley soup is a favorite menu item in our house throughout the year. Everyone savors the flavor. —Elizabeth Kendall, Carolina Beach, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 133 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 859mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
9/25
Mushroom Onion Barley Soup
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
7 servings (1-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
After tinkering with three different recipes, I came up with this warming rich, dark brown broth with hearty mushrooms, barley and onions. It’s a beefy tasting soup for my meat loving husband, completely vegan for me and healthy for both of us. It can simmer all day in a crock pot or be served up right after preparation.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 101 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 746mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
10/25
Contest-Winning Hearty Hamburger Soup
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
At family get-togethers, our children always request this spirit-warming ground beef soup along with a fresh loaf of homemade bread and tall glasses of milk. This hamburger soup has robust flavor, plenty of fresh-tasting vegetables and is easy to make. —Barbara Brown, Janesville, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 167 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 972mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein.
11/25
Comforting Beef Barley Soup
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
When the weather outside is nippy, we want a bowl of soup that’s chock-full of beef, barley and veggies. It's the most delicious way to warm up. —Sue Jurack, Mequon, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 198 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 652mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
12/25
Beef Barley Soup with Roasted Vegetables
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
8 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
The beauty of this soup is that you can roast the vegetables separately in the oven while it's simmering away. Then simply add them in during the last minutes on the stovetop. I love that the roasted vegetables keep their own bright flavors that add to this earthy bowl of warmth. —Gayla Scott, West Jefferson, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 339 calories, 13 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 35 mg cholesterol, 855 mg sodium, 37 g carbohydrate (7 g sugars, 6 g fiber), 20 g protein.
13/25
Chicken Vegetable Soup
Total Time
2 hours 35 min
Servings
16 servings (about 4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I experimented with different variations, and this is the best chicken vegetable soup recipe I came up with. It's especially good to take to potlucks or share with friends. I often take a bowl to work to heat up for a fast lunch. —Bertha Vogt, Tribune, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 195 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 537mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
14/25
Bacon-Beef Barley Soup
Total Time
7 hours 40 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a robust dish that’s perfect for hungry teenagers! Served over creamy mashed potatoes, this quick, comforting soup really hits the spot. —Cathy Peterson, Menominee, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 319 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 1218mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein.
15/25
Mushroom Barley Soup
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
about 11 servings (2-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
A few years ago, a friend at work shared the recipe for this wonderful soup. With beef, barley and vegetables, it's hearty enough to be a meal. A big steaming bowl with a slice of crusty bread is so satisfying on a cold day. —Lynn Thomas, London, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 220 calories, 13g fat (0 saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 65mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
16/25
Southwest Chicken Barley Chowder
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Mashed squash helps make this chowder creamy but not heavy, and it's a favorite way to get barley on the table. My kids even ask for leftovers for lunch. —Pamela Cleghorn, Campbellsburg, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 298 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 681mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 7g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 fat.
17/25
Potato-Beef Barley Soup
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings (4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Hash browns add an unexpected twist in this vegetable barley soup. I sometimes throw in some chopped fresh red and yellow peppers for color. —Kendra McKenzie, Fredericktown, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 217 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 568mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
18/25
Ground Beef and Barley Soup
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I came across this recipe years ago at a recipe exchange through a church group. The contributor didn't sign her name, so I don't know who to thank. But my husband and son thank me for preparing it by helping themselves to seconds and thirds! - Ellen McCleary, Scotland, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 168 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 452mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 13g protein.
19/25
Hearty Beef Barley Soup
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My entire family just loves this delicious and comforting soup. Loaded with chunks of tender beef, the rich broth also includes plenty of fresh mushrooms, sliced carrots and quick-cooking barley. —Barbara Beattie, Glen Allen, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 306 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 748mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
20/25
Quick Mushroom Barley Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I surprised my mother with a visit some years ago, and she was preparing this soup when I walked in. It was so wonderful that I asked for the recipe, and I’ve been fixing it ever since. —Edie Irwin, Cornwall, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 196 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 654mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 whole milk, 1/2 fat.
21/25
Ground Beef Barley Soup
Total Time
2 hours 45 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I first tasted this soup when a friend served it to our family one day after church. It's now a favorite with our family, especially our three children. —Maggie Norman, Stevensville, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 295 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1068mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
22/25
Slow & Easy Minestrone
Total Time
7 hours 25 min
Servings
6 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Hot soup on a cold day is something I just can't get enough of. It's a snap to put together, and I don't have to wash pots and pans after a relaxing meal. —Sally Goeb, New Egypt, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 154 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1002mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 9g fiber), 7g protein.
23/25
Split Pea Soup Mix
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
4 servings (1 quart soup) per batch
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother sent me some of this pretty dry blend along with the recipe. The hearty soup is thick with lentils, barley and peas, and chicken is a nice change from the usual ham. —Susan Ruckert, Tangent, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 158 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 117mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat.
24/25
Beef Barley Lentil Soup
Total Time
8 hours 20 min
Servings
10 servings (about 3-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I serve this soup often to family and friends on cold nights, along with homemade rolls and a green salad. For variety, you can substitute jicama for the potatoes. —Judy Metzentine, The Dalles, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 232 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 603mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
25/25
White Bean and Sausage Soup
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
8 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
In the cold months, I like to put on a big pot of this comforting soup. It cooks away while I do other things, such as baking bread, crafting or even cleaning the house. —Glenna Reimer, Gig Harbor, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 339 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 1100mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 11g fiber), 19g protein.
