Nana's Beef Barley Stew

Warm, comforting, and packed with hearty flavors, Nana's Beef Barley Stew is the ultimate homemade classic that will transport you back to cozy family dinners. Tender beef chuck, slow-simmered with pearl barley, a medley of vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a rich, savory broth, creates a soul-soothing dish perfect for chilly evenings. This one-pot marvel combines the depth of seared beef with the natural sweetness of carrots and peas, while the barley adds a satisfying, nutty texture. Ready in just over 2 hours with simple ingredients, this stew is a timeless recipe that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Serve it with crusty bread for a comforting meal, and don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that finishing touch! Perfect for meal-prepping or feeding a hungry crowd, this hearty stew is sure to become a family favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:140 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 medium carrots, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
• 0.75 cups pearl barley, rinsed
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, season the beef cubes with salt, pepper, and toss with flour to coat evenly.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, searing until browned on all sides. Remove the browned beef and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze and release any browned bits. Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, pearl barley, bay leaves, thyme, and the seared beef back into the pot.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

After 90 minutes, check the tenderness of the beef and barley. If they are still firm, continue cooking for an additional 20-30 minutes.

Step 7

Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 5 minutes until heated through.

Step 8

Remove bay leaves before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 9

Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Pair with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(4306.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3337.2

Total Fat 217.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 80.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 680.4mg	0%
Sodium 11666.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 147.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 33.7g	0%
Total Sugars 39.7g
Protein 209.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 597.7mg	0%
Iron 37.5mg	0%
Potassium 6659.7mg	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: 57.8%

Protein: 24.8%

Carbs: 17.4%