Hearty Beef and Barley Stew

Dive into a bowl of pure comfort with this hearty beef and barley stew, a timeless classic brimming with rich flavors and soul-warming goodness. Tender chunks of seared beef chuck are simmered to perfection alongside wholesome vegetables like carrots, celery, potatoes, and mushrooms, creating a robust base for this satisfying dish. Pearled barley adds a delightful nutty chew, while aromatic herbs such as thyme and bay leaf elevate the savory broth to gourmet levels. Perfect for cozy nights, this stew is slow-cooked to ensure every spoonful is packed with depth and warmth. With simple ingredients and just the right amount of effort, this one-pot wonder serves as a filling, family-friendly meal that warms you from the inside out. Don't forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a bright finish!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:140 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
• 0.75 cup pearled barley, rinsed
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon thyme, dried
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Season the beef cubes with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Add the beef cubes in batches, searing until browned on all sides. Remove the browned beef and set it aside.

Step 4

Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pot.

Step 5

Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened.

Step 6

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 7

Add the carrots, celery, potatoes, and mushrooms. Stir and cook for 5-6 minutes.

Step 8

Return the browned beef to the pot.

Step 9

Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (with their juice), and stir to combine.

Step 10

Add the rinsed pearled barley, bay leaf, thyme, and the remaining 0.5 teaspoon of salt. Stir well.

Step 11

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.

Step 12

Simmer the stew gently for 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked.

Step 13

Remove the bay leaf and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.

Step 14

Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Step 15

Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3250.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2213.3

Total Fat 124.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 42.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 340.2mg	0%
Sodium 9474.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 165.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.0g	0%
Total Sugars 24.8g
Protein 119.9g	0%

Vitamin D 22.7IU	0%
Calcium 419.8mg	0%
Iron 20.6mg	0%
Potassium 5941.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.6%

Protein: 21.2%

Carbs: 29.2%