Step 1

Prepare the following, adding each to the same medium bowl as you complete it: Dice 1 medium yellow onion, peel and slice 3 medium carrots into 1/4-inch-thick rounds, and slice 3 medium celery stalks into 1/4-inch pieces. Finely chop 2 garlic cloves.

Step 2

Cut 1 1/2 pounds beef chuck into 1/2-inch pieces. Pat dry with paper towels and season with 1 teaspoon of the kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

Step 3

Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large stockpot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add half of the beef in a single layer and cook until browned but not cooked through, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with browning the remaining beef, then transfer to the plate.

Step 4

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in the same pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the onion mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and begin to soften, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and remaining 1 teaspoon kosher salt and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds more.

Step 5

Add 1 tablespoon tomato paste and stir to coat the vegetables. Cook until darkened in color, about 1 minute. Return the beef and any accumulated juices to the pot and add 2 boxes low-sodium beef broth, 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes and their juices, 3/4 cup pearled barley, 1 dried bay leaf. Stir to combine and bring to a boil over high heat.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered until the barley is tender, 40 to 50 minutes. Meanwhile, coarsely chop 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves.

Step 7

Remove and discard the bay leaf. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with the parsley, and serve.