Hearty Beef and Barley Stew Recipe

When the weather cools and you’re craving something hearty and soul-warming, few dishes hit the spot like a bowl of beef and barley stew. With tender pieces of beef, nutty barley, and a medley of wholesome vegetables swimming in a rich, savory broth, this stew is a true celebration of comfort food. It’s simple to make, versatile enough to adapt to what you have on hand, and perfect for both busy weeknights or a leisurely Sunday dinner. Best of all? Leftovers taste even better the next day!

The Recipe for Hearty Beef and Barley Stew

This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and ease. Whether you simmer it on the stovetop or toss everything into a slow cooker, the result is a deeply satisfying meal that feels like it’s been cooking all day — even if you only spent a few minutes prepping.

Ingredients:

1 ½ pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 carrots, chopped
3 celery stalks, sliced
2 medium potatoes, diced
1 cup pearl barley
6 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional vegetables (mushrooms, parsnips, or peas for extra variety)

Instructions:

Prepare the Beef
Toss the beef cubes in the flour, coating them well. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches, cooking each side until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion and garlic to the same pot, cooking until fragrant and softened (about 5 minutes). Stir occasionally to lift the browned bits off the bottom of the pot — they’ll add flavor to your stew!
Add the Vegetables and Broth
Toss in the carrots, celery, potatoes, and barley. Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir everything to combine.
Simmer the Stew
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the barley is fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Slow Cooker Instructions:

If you’d rather set-it-and-forget-it, this recipe is perfect for your slow cooker. After browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, transfer everything into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, stirring occasionally if possible.

Tips for Customizing Your Stew

One of the joys of making stew is how adaptable it is. Here are some ways to make it your own:

Add more veggies – Toss in mushrooms, parsnips, or frozen peas during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
Boost the herbs and spices – A pinch of smoked paprika, cumin, or rosemary can add extra depth to your stew.
Make it gluten-free – Swap barley for quinoa or rice if you have dietary restrictions.

Serving Suggestions

This stew is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread or warm, buttery dinner rolls. You can also serve it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for an extra indulgent twist!

For a fresh touch, garnish each bowl with chopped parsley or a spritz of lemon juice before serving.

Reheating and Storage Tips

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, you’ll be delighted to know this stew gets even better as the flavors meld overnight.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or use the microwave for quick convenience.
For longer storage, freeze the stew in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beef and barley stew is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen. It’s simple to prepare, filling, and welcomes endless creativity when it comes to ingredients and flavors. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or savoring a quiet evening in, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your rotation.

Find your coziest bowl and enjoy every hearty, satisfying bite.