Savory Winter Beef & Barley Stew
This delightful Beef & Barley Stew is a cherished family recipe passed down from my grandmother, known fondly as Nana. Perfect for warming up chilly winter evenings, this hearty stew brings together tender chunks of beef and wholesome vegetables in a rich, savory broth, making it a comforting meal that nourishes the soul. With its versatility, you can easily incorporate leftover vegetables like corn or green beans, enhancing the flavor and nutrition. This recipe yields a generous pot, perfect for sharing with loved ones or freezing for quick weeknight dinners. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad and some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
8
Servings
300
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 large (chopped coarsely)
garlic
2 cloves (mashed)
stewing beef
2 lbs (cubed (chuck or round))
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
condensed beef broth
10.5 ounces (or 4 beef bouillon cubes dissolved in 1 1/4 cup boiling water)
water
4 cups (for broth)
bay leaves
2 (whole)
Worcestershire sauce
1.5 tablespoons
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
carrots
6 (peeled and cut into bite-size chunks)
celery ribs
4 (trimmed and cut into bite-size chunks)
canned mushrooms
4 ounces (drained)
pearl barley
1 cup (cooked according to package directions)
Instructions
1
In a large heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onion and mashed garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
3
Increase the heat and add the cubed beef, browning it on all sides (about 5-7 minutes).
4
Pour in the beef broth and water, then add the bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5
Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer, covering the pot. Let it simmer for 1.5 hours.
6
After an hour and a half, add the bite-sized chunks of carrots and celery. Simmer for an additional 30 minutes, making sure to check the liquid levels; feel free to add more water if necessary.
7
In the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in the drained mushrooms and the cooked barley. Simmer until everything is heated through and the flavors meld.
8
Before serving, remove the bay leaves and adjust seasoning to taste. Ladle into bowls and enjoy your hearty stew!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
30g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
5g
Fiber
1.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Winter Beef & Barley Stew?
It is a hearty, comforting stew featuring tender beef, vegetables, and pearl barley in a rich, savory broth, originally a family recipe passed down from the author's grandmother.
Who inspired this beef and barley stew recipe?
This recipe is a cherished family dish passed down from the author's grandmother, known fondly as Nana.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes a generous pot that yields 8 servings.
What are the calories per serving for this stew?
Each serving of the Savory Winter Beef & Barley Stew contains 300 calories.
What kind of beef is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of stewing beef, specifically cubed chuck or round.
Is this beef stew freezer-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for freezing, making it ideal for quick and easy weeknight dinners.
Can I add other vegetables to the stew?
Absolutely. You can easily incorporate leftover vegetables like corn or green beans to enhance flavor and nutrition.
How much protein is in one serving?
One serving provides 22.5g of protein.
How long does the beef need to simmer initially?
The beef should be simmered in the broth and water for 1.5 hours before adding the main vegetables.
What should I serve with this stew?
It is recommended to serve the stew alongside a crisp green salad and some crusty bread.
How much fat is contained in a single serving?
Each serving contains 10g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this stew?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the fiber content per serving?
The stew provides 5g of fiber per serving.
How much sugar is in a serving of this stew?
The sugar content is very low, at 1.5g per serving.
How should I prepare the garlic for this recipe?
The 2 cloves of garlic should be mashed before being sautéed with the onion.
When do I add the carrots and celery?
Add the carrots and celery after the beef has simmered for 1.5 hours, then simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
What can I use if I don't have condensed beef broth?
You can substitute it with 4 beef bouillon cubes dissolved in 1 1/4 cups of boiling water.
Does the pearl barley need to be pre-cooked?
Yes, you should cook the 1 cup of pearl barley according to its package directions before adding it to the stew.
When should the mushrooms and barley be added?
Stir in the drained mushrooms and cooked barley during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
What oil is used to sauté the ingredients?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How long do I brown the beef?
The cubed beef should be browned on all sides for approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
What seasonings are used in the broth?
The broth is seasoned with 2 bay leaves, 1.5 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.
Should I remove the bay leaves before serving?
Yes, you should remove the bay leaves before ladling the stew into bowls.
How many carrots and celery ribs are needed?
You will need 6 peeled carrots and 4 trimmed celery ribs, both cut into bite-size chunks.
What should I do if the liquid level gets too low during simmering?
You should check liquid levels periodically and feel free to add more water if necessary.
How is the onion prepared?
One large onion should be chopped coarsely.
What size should the canned mushrooms be?
The recipe calls for a 4-ounce can of mushrooms, which should be drained.
Is the onion sautéed alone?
No, it is sautéed together with the mashed garlic until translucent and fragrant.
How much water is added initially for the broth?
In addition to the beef broth, 4 cups of water are added to the pot.
What is the total simmering time for the vegetables?
The carrots and celery simmer for a total of 30 minutes, with the mushrooms and barley added for the final 15 minutes of that time.