Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot, then add chopped onions. Sauté until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Cook Barley: Stir in pearl barley and cook for about 2 minutes.

Add Broth and Au Jus Gravy Mix: Add leftover beef roast (shredded or diced) to the pot. Pour in beef broth and mix in the au jus gravy mix. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. The leftover beef is already cooked, so you won't need the longer cooking time.

Add Vegetables and Hash Browns: Add the frozen mixed vegetables and frozen hash browns to the pot. Stir well.

Add Ketchup: Stir in the ketchup, adjusting the seasoning if necessary. Continue to simmer for another 10 minutes or until the vegetables, hash browns, and barley are tender.

Serve: Ladle the delicious beef barley soup into bowls and enjoy the heartwarming flavors.

Tips:

Beef Roast Choice: Leftover roast beef adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces before adding.

Au Jus Mix: The au jus mix will complement the beef roast flavor. Adjust salt accordingly, as the mix can be salty.

Ketchup: Enhance the tanginess and sweetness with ketchup. Adjust to your taste preference.

Storage: Like any good soup, this one can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days and freezes well for later enjoyment.

So, go ahead and give your leftover beef roast a new life in this delicious and convenient Beef Barley Soup! Enjoy!