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Beef and Barley Stew

A warm and comforting bowl of beef and barley stew, combining tender beef, hearty barley, and vegetables, perfect for chilly weather.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound beef stew meat, cubed Use well-marbled cuts like chuck for tenderness.
  • 1 cup barley Look for whole grain barley for added nutrition.
  • 4 cups beef broth Homemade beef broth is recommended for deeper flavor.
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 large bay leaf
  • to taste salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For browning the beef.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the cubed beef in batches, browning it until golden on all sides for about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pot.
  3. After browning, add chopped onions, sliced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Stir in the barley, beef broth, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
  3. Let the stew simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the barley and beef are tender.
  4. Remove the bay leaf before serving and adjust seasonings if needed.

Notes

Serve hot with crusty bread, and consider adding fresh herbs for garnish. This stew can be made ahead and is freezer-friendly.