Description
Embrace the essence of comfort with this Hearty Beef Barley Stew recipe, perfect for warming your soul on chilly days. Featuring tender chunks of beef, robust vegetables, and nutty barley, this stew is a fulfilling dish that combines nutrition and heartiness in every spoonful. Ideal for family dinners or when you simply crave a comforting meal, this stew promises to satisfy your taste buds with its rich flavors and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lb beef chuck roast, cut into 1” pieces, excess fat trimmed and discarded
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 2 ribs celery with leaves, finely diced
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 medium carrots, finely diced
- 1 ½ tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 teaspoons tamari (or soy sauce)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ cup pearl barley
Step-by-step Directions
1. Prepare Ingredients
Begin by heating the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat.
2. Coat the Beef
Toss the beef pieces with salt, pepper, and flour in a medium mixing bowl until well coated.
3. Brown the Beef
Working in batches, add the beef to the hot pot and brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside.
4. Sauté Vegetables
Add the celery, onion, and carrots to the pot, reducing the heat to medium-low. Cook for 5-6 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, and stirring occasionally.
5. Integrate Flavors
Stir in the tomato paste, garlic, oregano, and rosemary, and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes.
6. Deglaze and Simmer
Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the beef broth, water, tamari, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 1 hour.
7. Add Barley
Stir in the pearl barley and continue to cook for 30 more minutes or until the barley is tender.
Servings & Preparation Time
The recipe yields approximately 4-6 servings. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, cooking time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
- Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the stew has thickened too much.
Conclusion
This Hearty Beef Barley Stew is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that brings together nutritious ingredients and rich flavors. Perfect for a cozy night in or a nourishing family dinner, this stew is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the deep, robust flavors and the wholesome goodness of every bite!