Metric Jester's Beef Barley and Onions

Dive into the comforting depths of Metric Jester's Beef Barley and Onions, a hearty and nourishing one-pot meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings. This recipe combines tender, perfectly seared beef chuck with caramelized onions, earthy pearl barley, and aromatic herbs like thyme and bay leaves, all simmered in a rich beef stock for a soul-warming dish. The natural sweetness of gently cooked carrots and celery balances the savory flavors, while the barley delivers a wholesome, nutty texture. With just 20 minutes of prep and the rest left to low-and-slow simmering, this dish is a delightfully easy way to enjoy traditional comfort food with a gourmet twist. Ideal for family dinners or meal-prepping, serve it steaming hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an irresistible finish. Keywords: beef barley stew, caramelized onions, comfort food recipe, easy one-pot meal, hearty winter recipes.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:140 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams beef chuck, cut into 2 cm cubes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 150 grams pearl barley
• 1 liter beef stock
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Season the beef cubes with salt and black pepper evenly.

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes in batches until brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove the beef and set it aside.

Step 3

Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Stir in the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes until they are golden and caramelized.

Step 4

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

Step 5

Stir in the diced carrots and celery, cooking for 5 minutes to soften slightly.

Step 6

Add the pearl barley to the pot and stir to coat it in the vegetables and oils.

Step 7

Return the seared beef to the pot. Pour in the beef stock and add the bay leaves and thyme. Stir well.

Step 8

Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 9

Check the texture of the barley and beef after 90 minutes. If they are not tender, cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, adding more stock or water if the soup becomes too thick.

Step 10

Remove the bay leaves before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 11

Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy this hearty and satisfying dish!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2509.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2400.2

Total Fat 133.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 46.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 350mg	0%
Sodium 6809.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 184.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 39.5g	0%
Total Sugars 30.7g
Protein 130.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 429.6mg	0%
Iron 21.3mg	0%
Potassium 4069.7mg	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: 48.8%

Protein: 21.2%

Carbs: 30.0%