This Hearty Beef Barley Stew is warming and filled with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and chewy barley. Perfect for those cozy nights when you need a big hug in a bowl!
Making this stew is a breeze! Just toss everything in a pot, let it simmer, and soon enough, your kitchen will smell amazing. I love serving it with fresh bread for dipping. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: I recommend using chuck roast for its rich flavor and tender texture when slow-cooked. If you’re looking for less fat, choose leaner cuts like round or sirloin.
Pearl Barley: Barley adds a wonderful chewiness, but if you’re out, you can try using farro or quinoa for a different twist. Just adjust the cooking times as needed.
Diced Tomatoes: The canned tomatoes give great depth. If you prefer fresh, use about 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes. Enhance the flavor by adding a splash of balsamic vinegar!
Beef Broth: Homemade is always a treat, but store-bought works just fine! For a lighter option, use vegetable broth, especially if you want a vegetarian stew.
How Can I Ensure My Beef is Tender in the Stew?
To get tender beef in your stew, browning is key! Here’s how to do it right:
- Don’t overcrowd the pot; brown the meat in batches. This helps achieve a good sear instead of steaming.
- Searing adds flavor, so let the beef rest between batches.
- Cook the stew low and slow! This gentle heat helps break down tough fibers, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth meat.
Remember, patience is vital. A longer simmer results in more tender and flavorful beef!
Hearty Beef Barley Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Fresh rosemary sprig, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Hearty Beef Barley Stew will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 1 to 1.5 hours of cooking time. So, in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 2 hours for the entire process. Perfect to set and forget while you prepare other things or relax!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef cubes in batches. It’s important not to overcrowd the pot so they can brown nicely. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, turning them to brown all sides. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté these veggies until they soften, which should take about 5 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
3. Add Garlic:
Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter!
4. Combine Ingredients:
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Return the browned beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (including their juices). Stir in the rinsed pearl barley, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Mix everything well.
5. Bring to a Boil:
Increase the heat and bring the stew to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. Allow it to cook for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through.
6. Season the Stew:
Once the stew is done, remove the bay leaf. Taste the stew and add salt and black pepper according to your preference. Adjust any seasonings as needed!
7. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the steaming stew into bowls. For a delightful touch, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprig of rosemary if you like.
8. Enjoy!
This stew is best enjoyed hot, accompanied by crusty bread or a nice side salad for a wholesome meal. Bon appétit!
Enjoy your nutritious and comforting Hearty Beef Barley Stew!
Can I Use Different Meats for This Stew?
Absolutely! While beef is the classic choice, you can also use lamb or even chicken for a lighter stew. Just adjust the cooking time according to the meat used; chicken will take less time to become tender.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, to make this stew gluten-free, simply substitute pearl barley with a gluten-free grain like quinoa or rice. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the grain you choose!
How Do I Store Leftover Stew?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits! You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Certainly! Feel free to add vegetables such as potatoes, green beans, or mushrooms. Just ensure they’re cut into similar sizes for even cooking. Add heartier vegetables like potatoes earlier in the cooking process, while softer ones can be added later.
