Beef Mushroom Barley Soup

Step 1
Cook beef stew meat in a large skillet over medium heat until completely browned, 5 to 7 minutes; transfer to a large soup pot.

Step 2
Heat vegetable oil in the same skillet over medium heat; cook and stir onion, celery, and carrot in the hot oil until the onions are tender, about 5 minutes. Add the vegetable mixture to the beef in the pot.

Step 3
Pour beef stock into the pot.

Step 4
Stir pearl barley into the stock.

Step 5
Place soup over medium-low heat, bring to a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is completely tender, about 2 hours.

Step 6
Stir mushrooms through the soup; cook 1 hour more.