Beef and Barley Stew

Beef and Barley Stew is the definition of cozy comfort food. It’s warm, hearty, and packed with rich, savory flavors that make it perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a satisfying, soul-warming meal. This classic dish brings together tender chunks of beef, chewy barley, and a medley of vegetables, all simmered together until everything is perfectly melded into a rich, flavorful broth.

One of the things that makes beef and barley stew so special is its balance of texture and taste. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender as it simmers, while the barley adds a subtle chewiness that makes every spoonful feel substantial and satisfying. Combined with carrots, onions, and celery, the stew delivers a wonderful combination of flavors that feels both rustic and nourishing.

This is the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma as it cooks. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors deepen, creating a broth that is savory, slightly earthy, and incredibly comforting. It’s the perfect dish for lazy weekends, meal prepping for the week, or feeding a hungry family on a cold evening.

What’s great about beef and barley stew is how adaptable it is. You can make it with whatever vegetables you have on hand, add mushrooms for an earthy touch, potatoes for extra heartiness, or greens like kale toward the end for a pop of color and nutrition. The barley not only adds texture but also thickens the stew slightly, making it even more satisfying.

Served with a slice of crusty bread or a warm biscuit, this stew becomes a complete meal that comforts you from the inside out. It’s one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop overnight.

Beef and Barley Stew isn’t just food, it’s an experience of slowing down, enjoying something homemade, and savoring simple, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or enjoying a quiet meal by yourself, it’s the kind of dish that reminds you why home-cooked meals are always worth it.

Beef and Barley Stew

3.56 from 25 votes

A hearty and comforting stew made with tender beef, barley, and a variety of vegetables.

Servings 4 people

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 17 minutes mins

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Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 lb beef stew meat cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup pearl barley rinsed
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup carrots diced
• 1 cup celery diced
• 1 cup onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp thyme dried
• 1 tsp rosemary dried
• to taste salt
• to taste black pepper freshly ground
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

 

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides.
• Add the diced onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
• Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for another 2 minutes.
• Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 hours.
• Add the rinsed barley and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the barley is tender.
• Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 7gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 90IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 20mg

Calories: 350kcal

Meal Type: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: comfort food, cooking, stew

Cooking Method: Baked

Diet: Meatlovers

Time: >45 Min

Level: Easy

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