Save to Pins Hearty Beef and Barley Stew is the perfect comfort meal for chilly days, combining tender beef, wholesome barley, and a medley of fresh vegetables simmered to rich, satisfying perfection. This American classic brings together rustic flavors that warm the soul and nourish the body, creating a main dish that’s as wholesome as it is delicious.
Save to Pins This stew’s hearty texture and rich broth make it ideal comfort food that satisfies both hunger and craving for warmth. Its balanced blend of protein, grains, and vegetables provides a complete meal, celebrated in American home kitchens.
Ingredients
- Meats: 1.5 lbs (680 g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Vegetables: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, diced; 3 carrots, peeled and sliced; 3 celery stalks, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 cup (150 g) button mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- Grains: 3/4 cup (120 g) pearl barley, rinsed
- Liquids: 6 cups (1.4 L) beef broth, low sodium; 1 cup (240 ml) water
- Herbs & Seasonings: 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 2 bay leaves; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Garnish: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Work in batches if needed. Remove beef and set aside.
- Step 2
- In the same pot, add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Step 3
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Return beef to the pot.
- Step 4
- Add potatoes, mushrooms (if using), barley, beef broth, water, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
- Step 5
- Bring stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until beef and barley are tender.
- Step 6
- Skim any excess fat from the surface. Remove bay leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 7
- Ladle stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To deepen the flavor profile, try deglazing the pot with a splash of red wine right after browning the beef. The wine’s acidity adds brightness and complexity. For texture variations, you can swap pearl barley with hulled barley, noting that it requires a longer cooking time by about 20 to 30 minutes.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If you want to add more heartiness, consider including root vegetables like parsnips or turnips. These additions bring subtle sweetness and bulk up the stew beautifully, making it even more satisfying in colder seasons.
Serviervorschläge
This hearty stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread that’s perfect for dipping in the flavorful broth. For an elevated meal, enjoy it alongside a robust red wine, which complements the rich meat and earthy herbs.
Save to Pins Enjoy this timeless Hearty Beef and Barley Stew as a go-to dish that brings comfort, nourishment, and a touch of home-cooked love to your table. Whether shared with family or savored solo, it’s a bowl full of warmth and hearty satisfaction.
Questions & Answers
- → What cut of beef works best for this stew?
Beef chuck is ideal due to its marbling and tenderness after slow cooking, ensuring rich flavor and a hearty texture.
- → Can pearl barley be substituted in this dish?
Hulled barley can be used for extra nutrition, but it requires a longer cooking time by 20 to 30 minutes.
- → Are mushrooms necessary in the stew?
Mushrooms are optional but add an earthy flavor and extra texture that complements the beef and vegetables.
- → How long should the stew simmer for best results?
Simmering for 1.5 to 2 hours allows the beef to become tender and barley to fully absorb flavors.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor of this stew?
Dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves impart aromatic depth and a savory undertone that balances the ingredients.
- → How can I enrich the flavor of the stew?
Deglazing the pot with a splash of red wine after browning the beef adds richness and complexity to the broth.