Description

A hearty and comforting Old Fashioned Beef Barley Stew recipe that is perfect for warming up on cold days. This stew is packed with tender beef, wholesome barley, and an array of vegetables in a flavorful broth.

Ingredients

Beef Stew:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat (cut into 1-inch cubes)
Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetables:

1 small yellow onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
3 medium carrots (sliced)
2 celery stalks (sliced)

Stew Base:

6 cups beef broth
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
3/4 cup pearl barley (uncooked)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Season and brown the beef, then set aside.
Cook Vegetables: In the same pot, cook onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly.
Combine Ingredients: Return beef to the pot with broth, tomatoes, barley, thyme, bay leaf, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil.
Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until beef is tender and barley is cooked.
Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning, remove bay leaf, and garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

For a thicker stew, simmer uncovered during the last 30 minutes.
This stew reheats and freezes well, ideal for meal prep.