Beef and Barley Stew

Hearty, Cozy, and Full of Flavor—The Ultimate Comfort Food

There’s something about a big bowl of Beef and Barley Stew that just makes you feel like everything is right in the world. The tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef, the nutty barley, and the savory, rich broth—it’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for chilly days or when you just need some good, old-fashioned comfort food. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, so it’s like a cozy hug in a bowl.

This stew is simple, nourishing, and just brimming with rustic flavors. And if you’ve got a slow cooker or a Dutch oven, it’s even easier to make. The beauty of this recipe? It gets better the longer it sits, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it all week long. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing while it’s cooking!

Why You’ll Love Beef and Barley Stew

Comforting & Hearty: It’s the ultimate cozy meal, packed with tender beef, vegetables, and barley that keeps you full and satisfied.

One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup required—just let the stew simmer and you’ve got a complete meal in one pot.

Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors deepen and improve the next day, making this a great dish to make in advance.

Customizable: You can adjust the veggies, seasonings, or even add different grains (like quinoa or farro) depending on what you’ve got on hand.

Budget-Friendly: Using cuts like chuck roast and simple pantry ingredients makes this a cost-effective dish without sacrificing flavor.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Ingredients in Beef and Barley Stew

This is one of those dishes where every ingredient comes together to create something really special. Here’s what you’ll need:

Beef Chuck Roast or Stew Meat

Tender, juicy pieces of beef that break down perfectly as they slow cook, becoming melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

Barley

Nutty, chewy, and filling—barley adds texture and a healthy dose of fiber to the stew.

Carrots

Sliced carrots bring natural sweetness and color to the dish, complementing the richness of the beef.

Celery

Adds a nice crunch and fresh, earthy flavor to balance out the stew.

Onion

Sautéed onion gives a savory depth to the broth and makes the base of the stew even more flavorful.

Garlic

Fresh garlic for that aromatic, bold bite that pairs beautifully with the beef.

Tomatoes

Diced tomatoes (or even a can of tomato paste) add richness and a touch of acidity to balance the stew’s flavors.

Beef Broth

The liquid base for your stew, making it savory and comforting. You can also use chicken broth if you prefer.

Fresh Thyme

Earthy, fragrant, and perfect for stews. Thyme infuses the broth with just the right amount of herbaceousness.

Bay Leaves

Add a couple of these to give the stew a subtle, aromatic flavor.

Salt & Pepper

Season generously to ensure all the flavors pop.

Olive Oil

For searing the beef and sautéing the veggies before slow-cooking to develop deeper flavors.

Instructions

Now for the fun part: Let’s make some stew!

Brown the Beef

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, making sure each piece gets a nice golden crust (about 4–5 minutes per side). Remove the beef and set it aside.

Sauté the Veggies

In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed, then sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until they start to soften—about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add the Rest

Return the beef to the pot, then add the barley, tomatoes, beef broth, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.

Simmer

Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 1.5–2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through. If you’re using a slow cooker, cook on low for 6–8 hours.

Taste & Adjust

Once everything is cooked, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or even a splash of vinegar if you prefer more acidity.

Serve & Enjoy

Ladle the stew into bowls, top with fresh parsley if you like, and enjoy with some crusty bread for dipping. Perfect for a cozy night in!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6–8
Calories per serving: ~350–400 calories

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours (or 6–8 hours in a slow cooker)
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (or 6–8 hours in a slow cooker)

How to Serve Beef and Barley Stew

This stew is filling on its own, but here are a few ways to make your meal even more special:

With Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of warm, crusty bread for dipping into that rich, savory broth.

Over Rice or Mashed Potatoes: Add a comforting bed of rice or mashed potatoes underneath the stew for a heartier meal.

With a Fresh Salad: A light, green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the richness of the stew.

Topped with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle a bit of fresh parsley or thyme over the top for an added burst of freshness.

Additional Tips

Choose the Right Beef: A tougher cut like chuck roast is ideal for stews because it becomes tender as it cooks. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin, as they don’t break down as well.

Control the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker stew, mash some of the barley or beef as it simmers to help it thicken up.

Make Ahead: This stew actually gets better the next day, so it’s perfect for meal prepping. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Tip: Freeze leftovers in portions for an easy, reheatable meal. Just let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Slow Cooker Tip: For an easy set-it-and-forget-it version, throw everything in your slow cooker in the morning and come home to the perfect stew.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different grain instead of barley?
A1: Yes! You can use farro, quinoa, or even rice if you prefer a different texture or grain.

Q2: Can I use a different meat?
A2: Absolutely! You can use lamb or even ground beef, though the cooking times will vary.

Q3: Can I add other vegetables?
A3: Yes, root vegetables like parsnips or potatoes work great, or you can add some green beans or peas at the end for a pop of color.

Q4: How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
A4: Barley isn’t gluten-free, but you can easily swap it for gluten-free grains like quinoa or rice.

Q5: Can I freeze Beef and Barley Stew?
A5: Yes! This stew freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Q6: How do I make it spicier?
A6: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño with the vegetables to give it a bit of heat.

Q7: Can I make this in a pressure cooker?
A7: Yes, you can. Cook on high pressure for about 35 minutes, then let it naturally release.

Q8: Can I use pre-cooked barley?
A8: Yes, if you’re using pre-cooked barley, add it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Q9: What type of beef broth should I use?
A9: Use low-sodium beef broth for better control over the salt level, or homemade broth if you’ve got it.

Q10: How long does Beef and Barley Stew last in the fridge?
A10: It lasts up to 3 days in the fridge. Just reheat thoroughly before serving.

Conclusion

Beef and Barley Stew is the epitome of comfort food—it’s warming, filling, and packed with flavor. With tender beef, hearty barley, and savory vegetables, this dish is perfect for cozy nights or prepping ahead for busy days. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this stew will be a hit. So grab that pot, get cooking, and enjoy every last bite!

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