Hearty Beef and Barley Stew: A Cozy 1-Pot Wonder

The inviting aroma of beef and barley stew wafts through the kitchen, wrapping you in a warm embrace. Picture tender chunks of beef swimming in a rich broth, dotted with hearty barley and vibrant vegetables, creating a symphony of flavors that dances on your palate.

This dish is not just food; it’s a hug in a bowl for chilly nights or those moments when life feels a little too hectic. Whether you’re hosting friends for game night or just cozying up with family, beef and barley stew is the ultimate comfort food that promises to satisfy.

Family and friends rave about this dish at every gathering, often asking for seconds (or thirds) because it’s just that good.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Chuck Roast: A well-marbled cut works best for tenderness and flavor; aim for about 2 pounds.

• Barley: Use pearl barley for its chewy texture; it absorbs flavors while cooking.

• Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness; slice them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

• Celery: Sturdy celery brings crunch and depth; chop them into small dice to blend seamlessly.

• Onion: A large yellow onion adds sweetness; sauté until translucent to unlock its flavors.

• Garlic: Minced garlic introduces aromatic goodness; use fresh cloves for the best results.

• Beef Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness of your stew.

• Bay Leaves: These add subtle herbal notes; remember to remove them before serving!

• Thyme: Fresh thyme enhances the dish’s aroma; if using dried, adjust the amount downwards.

• Pepper and Salt: Season generously to taste throughout the cooking process to enhance overall flavor.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Sear the Beef: Begin by heating a tablespoon of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the chuck roast on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step locks in flavor!

Add Aromatics and Veggies: Toss in diced onions, garlic, carrots, and celery after removing the beef. Sauté everything until the onions are translucent and fragrant, roughly 5 minutes.

Add Barley and Broth: Stir in pearl barley next. Pour in your low-sodium beef broth along with bay leaves and thyme. Bring to a gentle boil while mixing well.

Simmer Until Tender: Reduce heat to low after boiling. Cover your pot and let it simmer gently for about 1 hour or until the beef becomes fork-tender and juicy.

Season and Serve!: Taste your stew at this point. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving hot! Enjoy every comforting spoonful.

Incorporating these steps will ensure your beef and barley stew is nothing short of delightful! So grab your favorite bowl (and maybe a glass of wine), because you’re about to enjoy something truly special!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the beef to lock in flavor, then sauté onions and garlic before adding broth and barley. This sequence builds layers of taste.

Add Your Touch

Experiment with veggies like carrots or mushrooms for extra flavor. You can also swap beef for turkey or add herbs for a fresh twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed.

Cooking this dish reminds me of winter nights spent at my grandma’s house, where her beef and barley soup warmed us up after snowball fights.

FAQ

What is the best cut of beef for beef and barley?

Chuck roast works well for its tenderness and flavor after slow cooking.

Can I use quick-cooking barley instead?

Yes, but adjust the cooking time according to package instructions for best results.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Substitute barley with quinoa or rice to keep it gluten-free while maintaining flavor.

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Beef and Barley Stew

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Beef and barley stew is the ultimate comfort dish, perfect for chilly nights or busy weeknights. This hearty recipe features tender chunks of chuck roast simmered with chewy pearl barley and a medley of vibrant vegetables, creating a rich and flavorful broth that warms the soul. Each spoonful is a delicious hug in a bowl, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

• Author: Logan Reed
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds chuck roast
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/3 teaspoon dried)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sear the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the chuck roast on all sides until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove from pot.
2. Add aromatics and veggies: In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until onions are translucent (about 5 minutes).
3. Add barley and broth: Stir in pearl barley, then pour in beef broth along with bay leaves and thyme. Bring to a gentle boil.
4. Simmer until tender: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1 hour or until beef is fork-tender.
5. Season and serve: Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving hot.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 75mg