Warm up your soul with a hearty and wholesome Beef and Barley Stew. This comforting dish combines tender chunks of beef, earthy mushrooms, and chewy barley in a rich and flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly evenings, this stew is a complete and satisfying meal that will leave you feeling nourished and content.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds stewing beef, cubed
- 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
- 1 cup cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed beef and brown on all sides. Remove the beef and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Add the sliced mushrooms, carrots, and celery. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Pour in the red wine (if using) and deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the rinsed barley, beef broth, water, bay leaves, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaves.
- Serve the Beef and Barley Stew hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 25g
Prep and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 2 hours
Servings
- Serves: 6-8 people
This Beef and Barley Stew is a robust and filling dish that brings together the hearty flavors of beef and earthy mushrooms with the satisfying chewiness of barley. It’s a classic comfort food that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!