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Amazing 1-Hour Beef Barley Winter Stew Magic

Beef Barley Winter Stew

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This Beef Barley Winter Stew is the perfect hearty meal for a cold day. It is filling, flavorful, and brings warmth to your kitchen. We know you will love sharing this comforting dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)

Instructions

  1. Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  3. Brown the beef in batches, removing the browned pieces to a separate plate. Do not overcrowd the pot.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until the onion softens, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Return the beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), rinsed barley, dried thyme, and bay leaf.
  6. Bring the stew to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low.
  7. Cover the pot and let the stew simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender and the barley is cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  8. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste the stew and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  9. If using, stir in the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  10. Serve hot.

Notes

  • For deeper beef flavor, you can sear the beef first and then deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine before adding the broth.
  • Pearl barley works best for this recipe, providing a chewy texture. Do not substitute with quick-cooking barley.
  • This stew tastes even better the next day. Feel free to make it ahead of time.

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