Description

This Old Fashioned Beef Barley Stew is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Tender chunks of beef are browned to perfection and simmered with pearl barley, vegetables, and aromatic herbs to create a flavorful and nourishing stew. Rich beef broth and diced tomatoes add depth, while optional peas and fresh parsley provide a pop of color and freshness. This classic stew makes a satisfying meal that can easily serve a family or be saved for leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Broth

1 ½ lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
6 cups beef broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 cup frozen peas (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Grains and Seasonings

1 cup pearl barley
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Brown the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan, and brown on all sides. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté the vegetables until softened and fragrant, approximately 5 minutes.
Combine Ingredients: Return the browned beef to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Stir in pearl barley, beef broth, undrained diced tomatoes, dried thyme, dried oregano, bay leaf, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well to combine.
Simmer: Bring the stew to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook until the beef is tender and the barley is fully cooked.
Final Touches: In the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas if using, and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy this hearty classic beef barley stew.

Notes

For added depth of flavor, brown the beef in batches to ensure a good sear without steaming.
Frozen peas add a pop of color and sweetness but can be omitted if not available.
Pearl barley gives a nutty texture and thickens the stew; do not skip it.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
Adjust the thickness of the stew by adding more beef broth or water if necessary during simmering.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American