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Hearty Beef and Barley Stew Recipe

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4.1 from 34 reviews

  • Author: Chef
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Description

This hearty Beef and Barley Stew is a rich and comforting dish packed with tender beef chuck, wholesome pearl barley, and a medley of vegetables simmered in a flavorful beef broth. Perfect for chilly days, meal prepping, or a satisfying family dinner, this stew combines aromatic herbs and a touch of tomato for depth and warmth.

Ingredients

Beef and Broth

  • 1½ lb beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 6 cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 bay leaf

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)

Grains and Thickeners

  • ¾ cup pearl barley, rinsed
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

Seasonings and Herbs

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides to develop rich flavor. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute to deepen the flavors.
  4. Optional Thickening: If using, sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir thoroughly to incorporate, which will help thicken the stew later.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Return the browned beef cubes to the pot. Add rinsed barley, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.
  6. Simmer the Stew: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer gently for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. Add Mushrooms: About 20 minutes before the end of cooking, add the sliced mushrooms if using, allowing them to cook through and infuse flavor.
  8. Final Seasoning: Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed to suit your preference.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the stew and serve hot for a satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Slow Cooker Option: Brown beef first, then add all ingredients to slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours.
  • Instant Pot Option: Use sauté mode to brown beef and vegetables. Then pressure cook on HIGH for 25 minutes and allow natural pressure release.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • For Thicker Stew: Add an extra 2 tablespoons of barley or simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes to reduce liquid.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Soup & Stew
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://kitchenmartha.com/hearty-beef-and-barley-stew-recipe/