Savory Beef and Barley Stew
Indulge in this hearty and flavorful Savory Beef and Barley Stew, perfect for chilly nights or gatherings with family and friends. This rich stew blends tender chunks of beef with nourishing vegetables and wholesome barley, creating a filling meal that warms the soul. With aromatic herbs and spices enhancing its depth, each spoonful offers a delightful taste of comfort. Ideal for meal prepping or sharing, this stew freezes well, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
2 tablespoons (mixed with salt and pepper)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for frying)
beef stew meat
2 lbs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
potatoes
2 (peeled and diced)
onion
1 (chopped)
mushrooms
1/2 lb (quartered)
celery
2 stalks (chopped)
baby carrots
1/2 lb (whole)
beef broth
4 cups (low-sodium recommended)
water
4 cups (as needed)
barley
1/2 cup (uncooked)
oregano
1 tablespoon (dried)
basil
1 tablespoon (dried)
thyme
1 tablespoon (dried)
parsley
1 tablespoon (dried)
bay leaves
2 (whole)
peas
1 cup (fresh or frozen)
cornstarch
1/4 cup (mixed with 1/4 cup of water)
Instructions
1
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2
Combine the flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Dredge the beef stew meat in the flour mixture until well coated.
3
In batches, add the beef to the pot, browning it on all sides. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.
4
Add the chopped onion and celery to the same pot, sautéing them until they become soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Stir in the quartered mushrooms and baby carrots, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
6
Return the browned beef to the pot, along with 8 cups of beef broth and water. Stir in the oregano, basil, thyme, parsley, and bay leaves.
7
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 45 minutes.
8
Add the diced potatoes and barley to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 45 minutes, or until the barley and potatoes are tender.
9
Stir in the peas and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
10
For a thicker stew, combine the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water in a small bowl, then stir this mixture into the stew. Cook for a few more minutes until the stew thickens to your desired consistency.
11
Remove the bay leaves before serving, and enjoy your delightful beef and barley stew!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Beef and Barley Stew?
It is a hearty and flavorful meal that combines tender chunks of beef with nourishing vegetables and wholesome barley.
What type of beef is recommended for this stew?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces.
How is the beef prepared before browning?
The beef is dredged in a mixture of 2 tablespoons of flour, salt, and pepper until well coated.
Which oil is used to brown the meat?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil heated over medium heat.
Should the beef be browned all at once?
No, it is recommended to add the beef to the pot in batches to ensure it browns properly on all sides.
How long should I sauté the onion and celery?
Sauté the chopped onion and celery for about 5-7 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
What vegetables are added after the onion and celery?
Quartered mushrooms and baby carrots are added and cooked for an additional 3-4 minutes.
How much liquid is needed for the stew base?
The recipe requires 4 cups of beef broth and 4 cups of water, totaling 8 cups of liquid.
What dried herbs are used for seasoning?
The stew is seasoned with 1 tablespoon each of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and parsley.
Are there any whole spices to remove later?
Yes, 2 whole bay leaves are added during simmering and should be removed before serving.
How long is the initial simmer for the beef?
The beef and broth mixture should simmer uncovered for 45 minutes.
When should the barley be added to the pot?
The 1/2 cup of uncooked barley is added after the initial 45-minute simmer, along with the potatoes.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
Use 2 potatoes that have been peeled and diced into pieces.
How long do the barley and potatoes take to cook?
They need to simmer for another 45 minutes, or until both are tender.
When are the peas added?
Stir in 1 cup of fresh or frozen peas at the very end and cook for about 5 minutes until heated through.
How can I make the stew thicker?
Combine 1/4 cup of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the stew and cook for a few more minutes.
Is this stew suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is ideal for meal prepping as it freezes well and is convenient for busy weeknights.
Can I use low-sodium beef broth?
Yes, low-sodium beef broth is specifically recommended for this recipe.
How much barley is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of uncooked barley.
What type of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of mushrooms, which should be quartered.
Can I use fresh peas?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1 cup of fresh or frozen peas.
What is the preparation for the baby carrots?
The recipe uses 1/2 lb of whole baby carrots.
What heat setting is used for browning?
The olive oil and beef should be heated over medium heat.
Do I leave the pot covered while simmering?
No, the instructions specify to let the mixture simmer uncovered.
What is the purpose of the flour coating on the beef?
Dredging the beef in flour helps with browning and acts as a natural thickener for the stew base.
How many stalks of celery are needed?
You will need 2 stalks of celery, chopped.
Is this a good recipe for winter?
Yes, it is specifically described as a comfort food perfect for chilly nights and winter meals.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include beef stew, barley soup, comfort food, hearty meal, and family-friendly.
How much cornstarch is used for the slurry?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup of water.
What should I do right before serving?
Ensure the bay leaves are removed from the pot before serving your guests.