Description
This hearty Beef and Barley Stew is a comforting, filling dish made with tender beef, nutty barley, and a mix of vegetables. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner, packed with rich flavors and a thick, savory broth.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) beef stew meat, cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Return the beef to the pot and stir in the barley, beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1–1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the barley is fully cooked.
- Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Discard the bay leaves.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
- For extra richness, you can add a splash of red wine along with the broth.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, you can use a potato masher to mash a portion of the stew once it’s done cooking.
- This stew freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg