Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's both satisfying and good for you? Look no further than this hearty beef stew with barley! This recipe is perfect for a chilly evening, offering a delicious blend of tender beef, wholesome barley, and a rich, savory broth. It's surprisingly easy to make, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, and the leftovers are even better the next day! This recipe is packed with nutrients, making it a fantastic addition to your healthy meal repertoire. Prepare for a taste of homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
- 1 cup chopped potatoes
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Browning the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. This step enhances the flavor of the stew significantly. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables
Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Return the beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, add the barley, potatoes, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Simmering the Stew
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5-2 hours, or until the beef is very tender and the barley is cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Serving
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy! This delicious beef stew is perfect served with crusty bread for dipping.
Tips for the Best Beef Stew:
- For a richer flavor, use bone-in beef stew meat.
- Don't overcrowd the pot when browning the beef. Work in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
- If the stew becomes too thick, add a little more beef broth.
- For a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot before serving.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, turnips, or parsnips.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Use different grains: Substitute the barley with other grains like oats or quinoa.
- Make it a slow cooker recipe: This stew is also perfect for slow cookers. Simply brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This hearty beef stew with barley is a perfect example of delicious and healthy homemade cooking. It's a quick dinner idea that's packed with flavor and nutrition, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy this easy recipe and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!