Beef and Barley Stew Recipe

Beef and Barley Stew Recipe

This hearty Beef and Barley Stew is perfect for chilly days. It combines tender beef, wholesome barley, and a medley of vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup barley (pearl or hulled)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the beef cubes in batches, seasoning with salt and pepper. Brown the meat on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the beef and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

• In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
• Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.

3. Add Ingredients:

• Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in the beef broth, water, barley, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil.

4. Simmer:

• Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked. Stir occasionally and add more water or broth if needed.

5. Add Peas (Optional):

• If using, stir in the frozen peas in the last 10 minutes of cooking.

6. Adjust Seasoning:

• Remove the bay leaves and taste the stew. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

7. Serve:

• Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tips:

• Make Ahead: This stew can be made ahead of time and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Enjoy your warm and comforting Beef and Barley Stew!