Beef-Barley Stew
A hearty beef and barley stew with rich tomato flavor, savory vegetables, and warming spices, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook ground beef, onion, and celery in a nonstick Dutch oven, stirring frequently, until beef is browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir in remaining ingredients, breaking up the tomatoes with your spoon.
- Bring to a boil; then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for about 1 hour or until barley is tender and stew has reached desired consistency.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the ground beef and vegetables longer before adding the other ingredients. You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If you prefer a thicker stew, add more barley or reduce the amount of water used. Feel free to customize the spices, perhaps adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beef-barley stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated cheese for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside a warm bowl of Garden, Beef And Rice Dish, which complements the stew's flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover beef-barley stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the stew in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef-Barley Stew contains roughly 1131 calories, with 6g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 108g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (122% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 754mg per serving (33% 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 frozen vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used as a convenient substitute for fresh ones. Just add them to the pot along with the other ingredients. However, be mindful of the cooking time, as frozen vegetables may cook faster than fresh ones, so adjust accordingly.
How can I make this stew more spicy?
To add more heat, consider increasing the amount of chili powder or adding a chopped jalapeño or red pepper flakes. You can also serve the stew with hot sauce on the side, allowing each person to customize the spice level to their liking.
Is it possible to make this stew in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef, onion, and celery first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a deliciously hearty stew.
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).