Beef Barley Vegetable Stew Recipe for Hearty Comfort Meals

There’s something deeply comforting about a hearty bowl of stew, especially when it’s packed with wholesome ingredients like tender beef, nutty barley, and a colorful medley of vegetables. This beef barley vegetable stew recipe is the perfect dish to warm you up on chilly days or whenever you crave a nourishing, satisfying meal.

Slow-cooked to tender perfection, the stew melds rich flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this stew is a delicious and balanced option that’s both filling and nutritious.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can easily customize the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have in your fridge.

Plus, the inclusion of barley adds a lovely chewy texture and boosts the fiber content, making it a nutritious powerhouse. So, grab your pot and let’s dive into creating this classic comfort food that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This beef barley vegetable stew is a soul-soothing meal that combines hearty beef, wholesome barley, and fresh vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s a balanced dish that’s both filling and nutritious, making it perfect for a family dinner or batch cooking.

The slow simmering process tenderizes the beef and allows the barley to absorb all the savory flavors, creating a stew that’s bursting with taste and texture.

One of the best things about this stew is its adaptability. Whether you want to add more vegetables or switch up the herbs, the recipe is forgiving and customizable.

It’s also a great way to use pantry staples and fresh produce together, making it economical and easy to prepare. Plus, it reheats wonderfully, so leftovers taste just as good the next day.

For those interested in expanding your stew repertoire or exploring other wholesome recipes, check out 15 Bean Soup Slow Cooker Recipe Vegetarian and Delicious or explore hearty grains with Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.

Ingredients

• 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 6 cups beef broth (homemade or low sodium)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
• Ladle for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the beef: Pat the beef stew meat dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove beef and set aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add mushrooms and potatoes: Stir in mushrooms (if using) and cubed potatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes to start softening the vegetables.
5. Combine beef and barley: Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the rinsed pearl barley, beef broth, and canned diced tomatoes with their juice.
6. Season and simmer: Add dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 1 hour.
7. Add green beans: After 1 hour, stir in the green beans. Continue simmering for another 30 minutes or until the barley is tender and the beef is fork-tender.
8. Adjust seasoning: Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
9. Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy warm!

Tips & Variations

For an extra depth of flavor, try deglazing the pot with a splash of red wine after browning the beef before adding the broth.

Feel free to swap vegetables depending on the season or your preferences. Sweet potatoes, parsnips, or butternut squash work beautifully.

If you want a thicker stew, you can mash some of the potatoes or barley against the side of the pot to release starch.

For a quicker version, cut the beef into smaller pieces or use pre-cut stew meat from your butcher. Using a pressure cooker or Instant Pot can also dramatically reduce cooking time.

To keep things spicy and interesting, sprinkle a pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika during the cooking process. For inspiration on homemade spice blends, check out this Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This beef barley vegetable stew is a complete meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a lighter contrast. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect to soak up the savory broth.

For a heartier dinner, serve alongside mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.

To add a bright note, a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice complements the stew’s rich flavors beautifully.

If you enjoy recipes like this, you might also want to try some other cozy meal ideas such as Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love or explore nutritious grain-based recipes with Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.

Conclusion

This beef barley vegetable stew stands out as a comforting, nutritious, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its combination of tender beef, chewy barley, and vibrant vegetables creates a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and feeds the soul.

The recipe’s flexibility allows you to make it your own by swapping ingredients or adding your favorite herbs and spices.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing meals in advance, this stew is a dependable and delicious choice that stores well and tastes even better the next day. With straightforward steps and accessible ingredients, you can enjoy a homemade classic that brings warmth and nourishment to your table.

Don’t forget to explore other wholesome recipes on our site to keep your meal planning exciting and healthy!

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