Hearty Beef Barley Stew

Hearty Beef Barley Stew Recipe

Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Yield: Serves 4–6

Description

This Hearty Beef Barley Stew combines tender beef, wholesome vegetables, and nutty pearl barley for a robust and comforting meal. Perfect for chilly days, this stew is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 lb beef chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1-inch pieces.

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

1 tsp coarse kosher salt

¼ tsp fresh ground black pepper

2 ribs celery with leaves, finely diced

1 medium onion, finely diced

2 medium carrots, finely diced

1 ½ tbsp tomato paste

1 tsp fresh oregano, finely chopped

2 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped

6 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups beef broth

2 cups water

2 tsp tamari (or soy sauce)

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

¾ cup pearl barley

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat until hot.

Step 2: Coat the Beef

In a medium bowl, toss the beef pieces with flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add the beef to the pot in batches and brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Transfer browned beef to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the celery, onion, and carrots to the pot, seasoning with salt and pepper.

Sauté for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Integrate Flavors

Stir in tomato paste, garlic, oregano, and rosemary. Cook for another 3–4 minutes to develop the flavors.

Step 6: Deglaze and Simmer

Return the browned beef to the pot. Add beef broth, water, tamari, and Worcestershire sauce.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 1 hour.

Step 7: Add Barley

Stir in the pearl barley and continue to cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the barley is tender.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with crusty bread, a side salad, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish.

Pair with a glass of red wine for an elevated dining experience.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing: Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to adjust consistency.

Conclusion

The Hearty Beef Barley Stew is the ultimate comfort food, blending rich flavors and nutritious ingredients into a soul-warming dish. Whether you’re sharing it with family or savoring it solo, this recipe is a satisfying way to embrace the coziness of home-cooked meals.