Description

This hearty Beef and Barley Stew is a comforting and nutritious dish packed with tender beef, wholesome barley, and a medley of vegetables simmered to perfection. Perfect for a cozy winter meal, it combines rich flavors and satisfying textures in one bowl, making it a classic favorite that is both filling and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes

Vegetables

1 large onion, chopped
3 carrots, sliced
3 celery stalks, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups potatoes, diced
1 cup frozen peas

Liquids and Broth

2 tablespoons olive oil
8 cups beef broth

Grains and Legumes

1 cup pearl barley

Herbs and Spices

2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Prepare and Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then sear them in batches until browned on all sides. Remove the browned beef and set aside to retain juices and flavor.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their aromas, creating a flavorful base.
Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for an additional minute to enhance the stew’s depth and richness.
Simmer with Broth and Seasonings: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the beef broth along with dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and pearl barley. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 1 1/2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
Add Potatoes and Continue Cooking: Add the diced potatoes to the stew, cooking uncovered for another 30 minutes or until the beef and barley are tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
Finish with Peas and Seasoning: Stir in the frozen peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through. Remove the bay leaves, taste the stew, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the stew before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch and enhance flavor.

Notes

This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld and deepen.
For a thicker consistency, mash a few potatoes directly into the broth.
You can substitute lamb for beef to offer a different, yet equally savory flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Category: Main Course, Soup/Stew
Method: Stovetop, Simmering
Cuisine: American, European

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
Calories: 420
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 780 mg
Fat: 17 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 6 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg