Beef And Barley Stew
Hearty beef and barley stew with smoky bacon, vegetables, and red wine, offering rich flavors and comforting warmth, perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 strips bacon, crumbled ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1.5 lb. lean pot roast or beef stew, cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 (13 3/4 oz.) can beef broth ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1 cup dry red wine ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3/4 cup barley ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) frozen peas and carrots ⓘ
- 1 (4.5 oz.) jar mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup pearl onions ⓘ
- 1/4 cup parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 5-quart pot, add onions and garlic; heat for 3 minutes.
- Add beef and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes.
- Add beef broth, water, wine, bay leaf, and thyme.
- Cook for 1 hour on medium heat.
- Stir in barley, cover, and cook for 35 minutes.
- Add peas and carrots, mushrooms, and pearl onions.
- Cover and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle with crumbled bacon and parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of beef broth and homemade stock. If you don't have pearl onions, regular onions can be used as a substitute. For a gluten-free option, replace barley with quinoa or rice. Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the depth of flavor. If time is limited, a slow cooker can also be used to make this Beef And Barley Stew.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Beef And Barley Stew with crusty bread or a side salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with a glass of dry red wine, which can also be used in the stew for additional flavor. Consider a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes to complement the richness of the dish. This stew is perfect for chilly evenings and is sure to be a family favorite.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef And Barley Stew contains roughly 680 calories, with 32g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (163% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (139% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1103mg per serving (48% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute beef with lamb or chicken, but cooking times may vary. If using chicken, opt for thighs for better flavor and tenderness. Adjust the cooking time according to the type of meat you choose, ensuring it is fully cooked before serving.
Can I make this stew in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavors often improve after a day in the fridge. Prepare the stew a day ahead, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container. When ready to serve, gently reheat on the stove, and it will taste just as delicious.
What can I add for extra vegetables?
Feel free to add root vegetables like potatoes or turnips for added heartiness. You could also include green beans, corn, or even spinach towards the end of cooking for added nutrition. Just be mindful of the cooking times to keep everything tender.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).