
This isn’t just a soup - it's a hearty meal that is ideal for wintry days, all cooked in one pan.
Serves
4
Prep
20 minutes
Cook
45 minutes
Each 441g serving contains
KCal
259
Carbs
31.3g
Fibre
8.3g
Protein
18.0g
Fat
5.0g
Saturates
1.30g
Sugars
14.3g
Salt
0.40g
Portion Fruit & Veg
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
1 tsp rapeseed oil
2 large onions, finely chopped
250g lean minced beef (5% fat)
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 carrots, chopped
1 small swede, finely chopped
1 medium leek, finely chopped
2 sticks celery, chopped
20g plain flour
1 low-salt beef stockcube, dissolved in 1.5L water
50g pearl barley
half tsp dried thyme
pinch pepper
2 tsp chopped chives, to garnish
Method
- Heat the rapeseed oil in a pan, add the onions, then cook gently for 5 minutes, stirring regularly.
- Add the minced beef and stir for 5 minutes until starting to brown, breaking up any clumps with a wooden spoon.
- Add the garlic, carrots, swede, leek and celery and cook for 5 minutes, stirring regularly.
- Sprinkle the flour over the mince and vegetables, mixing well. Stir in the beef stock.
- Mix again, add the pearl barley, thyme and pepper, bring to the boil, turn down the heat, cover, then simmer gently for 30 minutes. Serve with a sprinkle of chives.
Chefs tips
- You can make this with minced lamb, or use minced turkey for a lower-fat dish.
- For a vegan version, replace the beef with a can of green lentils and a low-salt vegetable stock cube.
- To concentrate the flavours further, you can cook without a lid to reduce the amount of liquid.
- Freezing instructions: Suitable for freezing once cooked. Can be frozen in small pots for individual portions. Defrost in a microwave or on the hob, over a very low heat until piping hot.
Related recipes

Beef chop suey
This healthy chop suey is made with thin strips of lean beef, stir-fried with noodles and lots of vegetables.
Carbs
60.9g
KCal
545

Beef stew and dumplings
A healthier take on a classic dish, with extra vegetables and a rich gravy.
Carbs
42.1g
KCal
348

Oriental beef stir-fry
Quick and easy to prepare and packed full of flavour and tasty veg, this recipe is perfect if you want a healthy meal pronto.
Carbs
10.0g
KCal
214

Hearty minestrone soup
A traditional Italian soup flavoured with basil and Parmesan cheese shavings. Serve with chunks of ciabatta or foccacia for a nutritious meal.
Carbs
40.7g
KCal
305