This Hearty Beef Barley Stew is a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with tender beef, chewy barley, and fresh vegetables, it’s the perfect dish for chilly days.
I love making this stew because it simmers all day, filling the house with amazing smells. Plus, it’s so filling that even leftovers can’t make you feel guilty—who doesn’t love that?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Stew Meat: A tough cut like chuck is perfect for stews, as it becomes tender when slow-cooked. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try using sirloin, but it won’t be as juicy. You can also go for turkey or chicken to keep it lighter!
Vegetables: Onions, carrots, and celery are classic, but you can add other veggies like peas or green beans for color and nutrients. If you need it to be low-carb, skip the potatoes or use cauliflower instead!
Pearl Barley: This grain gives a great chewy texture. If you’re gluten-free, consider using brown rice or quinoa. For a heartier option, farro works nicely too!
Beef Broth: Homemade broth adds extra flavor, but store-bought works just fine! If you want to reduce sodium, look for low-sodium options, or you can use vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
How Do You Ensure Your Beef is Perfectly Tender?
Give your beef the time it needs to become tender. Searing the meat first is key as it locks in flavors. Remember, low and slow is the way to go!
- Don’t rush the browning process; brown in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot.
- Once you add everything back into the pot, cover it well and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. Trust the process!
Before serving, always taste and adjust your seasoning. A little salt or pepper can make a big difference!
Hearty Beef Barley Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 lbs (700 g) beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced into rounds
- 3 stalks celery, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3/4 cup pearl barley
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water (optional, for desired consistency)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty stew requires about 20 minutes for preparation and 1.5 to 2 hours of simmering. So, in total, set aside about 2 to 2.5 hours to enjoy the delicious comfort you’ll create!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Meat:
Start by generously seasoning the beef cubes with salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor as they cook!
2. Browning the Beef:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, ensuring each piece is well-seared on all sides, which should take about 5 minutes per batch. After browning, remove the beef and set it aside for now.
3. Cooking the Aromatics:
In the same pot, toss in the chopped onion. Sauté until softened, around 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute while stirring constantly to release that amazing garlic aroma!
4. Adding Tomato Paste:
Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for about 2 minutes. This deepens the flavor profile of the stew—a small step that makes a big difference!
5. Combining Ingredients:
Return the browned beef to the pot and mix in the sliced carrots, celery, diced potatoes, pearl barley, beef broth, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. If you like a thinner soup, feel free to add the optional cup of water here.
6. Cooking the Stew:
Bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow simmering is what makes the beef tender and the barley wonderfully chewy.
7. Finishing Touches:
Once cooking time is up, carefully remove the bay leaves. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed to get the flavors just right!
8. Serving:
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Perfect for warming up on a cold day!
Enjoy your comforting, flavorful Hearty Beef Barley Stew!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use lamb, pork, or even chicken. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the meat chosen, so adjust accordingly to ensure tenderness.
How Should I Store Leftover Stew?
Store any leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it slowly on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it if it thickens in the fridge.
Can I Make This Stew in a Slow Cooker?
Yes! To make this stew in a slow cooker, brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
Can I Freeze This Stew?
Definitely! Let the stew cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it in a pot or microwave.
