Description
Beef and Barley Stew is a hearty, comforting classic made with tender chunks of beef, chewy barley, and a medley of vegetables simmered in a rich, savory broth. This nourishing stew is ideal for cold weather, family dinners, or as a make-ahead meal that deepens in flavor over time.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 lb beef chuck, cut into chunks
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Grains
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
- 6 cups beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat to prepare for browning the beef.
- Brown Beef: Season the beef chunks with salt and black pepper, then brown them in batches to develop a rich flavor and set aside once browned.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until they soften and start to release their aromas.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, dried thyme, and dried rosemary, cooking for about one minute to bloom the spices and tomato paste.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the browned beef to the pot, add the rinsed pearl barley, beef broth, and bay leaves, stirring to combine everything evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes until the beef is tender and the barley has absorbed the flavors and softened.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaves, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Pearl barley adds a pleasing chewy texture and naturally thickens the stew without the need for added thickeners.
- This stew tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld and deepen.
- For convenience, this stew can also be made in a slow cooker on low for about 8 hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
