Best Beef & Barley Stew

Indulge in the heartwarming comfort of the “Best Beef & Barley Stew,” a hearty and satisfying dish that embodies the essence of home-cooked goodness. This stew is a flavorful fusion of tender beef, earthy mushrooms, sweet carrots, and quick-cooking barley, all bathed in a rich and savory broth.

At the core of this recipe is the beef stew meat, carefully cut into bite-sized 1/2-inch pieces. This choice of meat ensures that each spoonful of the stew is bursting with succulent, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. The beef becomes tender and flavorful as it cooks, creating a harmonious balance of textures within the stew.

The aromatic base of the stew is built upon a classic trio of ingredients: onions, cremini mushrooms, and carrots. The onions provide a subtle sweetness, the mushrooms add an earthy depth, and the carrots contribute a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish. These elements, when sautéed in olive oil, form the foundation of a robust flavor profile.

To elevate the stew’s richness, a generous 8 cups of beef broth are introduced. This savory liquid infuses the dish with a deep, meaty essence, creating a comforting and satisfying backdrop for the other ingredients.

Fire-roasted diced tomatoes, with their smoky and slightly charred notes, enhance the stew’s complexity. Alongside these tomatoes are aromatic herbs such as thyme and herbes de Provence, imparting a fragrant and nuanced character to the broth.

The seasoning is perfected with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, enhancing the overall taste without overwhelming the other flavors.

The stew’s heartiness is further augmented by the addition of quick-cooking barley, a nutritious and hearty grain that absorbs the savory flavors of the broth and adds a delightful chewy texture.

As a finishing touch, a cup of frozen peas is introduced, contributing a burst of vibrant color and a sweet, garden-fresh note to the stew.

“Best Beef & Barley Stew” is the epitome of comfort food, a warm embrace on a chilly evening. With its tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and wholesome barley, it’s a flavorful journey that brings the essence of home-cooked meals to your table, one bowl at a time.

Best Beef & Barley Stew

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This hearty Best Beef & Barley Stew is a comforting bowl of savory goodness, perfect for warming you up on chilly days.

 

• Author: Addie Gundry
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8
• Category: Soups

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 pound sliced cremini mushrooms
• 3 carrots, diced
• 8 cups beef broth
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, with their juices
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon herbes de Provence
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 3/4 cup quick-cooking barley

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over high heat. Add the beef, onion, mushrooms, and carrots and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until the beef is browned.
2. Add the broth, tomatoes with their juices, bay leaf, thyme, herbes de Provence, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Add the peas and barley. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes more, until the barley, is tender.
4. Remove the bay leaf, ladle into bowls, and serve.

Will you try this Beef and Barley stew? Leave a comment and let me know what you think!