Low Sodium Beef Barley Soup
This Low Sodium Beef Barley Soup is a hearty, wholesome meal perfect for anyone managing their kidney health. With a rich, flavorful broth and a medley of CKD-friendly ingredients, it’s designed to be low in sodium while still delivering on taste and nutrition. Whether you're looking for a comforting dinner or a make-ahead meal, this soup is a satisfying choice for anyone following a kidney-conscious diet.
As a Registered Dietitian with over 25 years of experience, I specialize in crafting kidney-friendly recipes that meet the dietary needs of those with Chronic Kidney Disease. This recipe aligns with evidence-based nutrition guidelines and was designed to provide a flavorful, low-sodium option for individuals managing their kidney health. My commitment to keeping up with the latest CKD research ensures this soup is both nutritious and suitable for a renal diet.

This Low Sodium Beef Barley Soup is carefully crafted to be kidney-friendly by using low-sodium ingredients like homemade vegetable stock and no-added-salt diced tomatoes. The combination of lean protein, fiber-rich barley, and fresh vegetables provides a balanced, nutritious meal while helping to manage sodium intake—a critical factor for kidney health. Additionally, the recipe is adaptable for different CKD stages, with easy substitutions to meet individual dietary needs.
We use our kidney friendly low sodium vegetable stock in this recipe, and you can find many kidney friendly soups on our site. We really love to eat a kidney friendly salad with this meal, but you can also eat any other entree with it, like our Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs.

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Ingredients
This recipe for Low Sodium Beef Barley Soup uses a mix of lean protein, fresh vegetables, and wholesome grains to create a hearty and nutritious dish. Each ingredient has been carefully chosen to support kidney health while delivering rich, comforting flavors.

- Ground Beef, Raw, 90% Lean: Provides a rich protein source while minimizing fat content for a healthier dish.
- Homemade Vegetable Stock: Adds a savory, low-sodium base to keep the soup CKD-friendly.
- Diced Tomato, No Added Salt: Contributes a burst of acidity and natural sweetness while keeping sodium levels low.
- Pearled Barley, Raw: A hearty, high-fiber grain that adds texture
- Carrot, Raw, Chopped: Provides natural sweetness, color, and essential vitamins like Vitamin A.
- Onion, Raw, Chopped: Enhances the soup's flavor profile with a mild, aromatic base.
- Garlic and More Spice: Adds bold seasoning without the need for added salt.
- Celery, Raw, Medium Stalks: Adds a crunchy texture and earthy flavor, along with a dose of essential nutrients.
See recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Low Fat Beef Barley Soup
Preparing this imitation Ina Garten Beef Barley Soup is simple and straightforward, making it an excellent choice for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal. With just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious, kidney-friendly soup ready to enjoy.

Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, about 5 minutes. Dice/chop the celery.

Stir in remaining ingredients and bring to a boil over high heat.

Reduce heat to medium low and simmer partially covered, stirring occasionally, until barley is tender - about an hour.
Hint: Skim the Fat: After browning the ground beef, skim off any excess fat to keep the soup lighter and healthier.
Variations
This Low Fat Beef Barley Soup is versatile and can be easily tailored to suit individual preferences or dietary needs. With a few simple adjustments, you can customize the recipe while still keeping it kidney-friendly and delicious. Here are a few variation ideas to try:
- Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with kidney-friendly plant-based proteins, like lentils or tofu crumbles.
- Add Herbs: Include fresh or dried kidney-friendly herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor without added sodium.
- Low-Phosphorus Grains: Swap barley for white rice or pasta shells to lower phosphorus content if needed.
Storage
Storing your CKD-friendly beef barley soup correctly allows you to enjoy its hearty flavors anytime. With easy refrigeration or freezing tips, this meal can be prepped in advance for busy days or saved as leftovers.
- Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or stock if needed to adjust the consistency.
- Freezing: Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving room for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Batch Cooking Tip: Prepare a larger batch and freeze individual portions for convenient, kidney-friendly meals on busy days.
Top tip
Adjust Consistency: If the soup becomes too thick, add a splash of water or additional vegetable stock to achieve your desired consistency.
FAQs About Healthy Beef Barley Soup
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives and offer a leaner protein option while keeping the soup CKD-friendly.
You can include kidney-friendly options like zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans to add variety and nutrition.
Substitute the barley with a gluten-free grain like quinoa or rice to make the soup suitable for gluten-free diets.
Kidney Friendly Soups
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
What To Eat With Beef Barley Soup
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Kidney Friendly Soups:
If you tried this Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a star rating and let me know how it goes in the comments below. I love hearing from you!
Recipe
Healthy Beef Barley Soup Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 oz GROUND BEEF RAW, 90% LEAN, hamburger, 10% fat
- 64 oz Low Sodium Vegetable Stock
- 14.5 oz TOMATO DICED, NO ADDED SALT
- 1 cup BARLEY PEARLED, RAW
- 1 cup CARROT RAW, CHOPPED
- ½ cup ONION RAW, CHOPPED
- 2 tablespoon Garlic and More Spice
- 2 Celery RAW, MEDIUM STALK, 7.5 - 8'' long stalk
Instructions
- 1. Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, about 5 minutes. Dice/chop the celery.
- 2. Stir in remaining ingredients and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to medium low and simmer partially covered, stirring occasionally, until barley is tender - about an hour.
I understood I'm not allowed to eat barley or grained