Are you ready to transform your kitchen into a haven of mouthwatering aromas and hearty flavors? This Beefy Mushroom and Barley Stew is not just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that promises to comfort, satisfy, and transport you to a world of pure deliciousness. Imagine tender beef, earthy mushrooms, and nutritious barley simmering together in a rich, savory broth that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're battling a cold day or simply craving a soul-warming meal, this stew is your ultimate solution!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef stew meat
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup pearl barley
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of beef stew meat, 1 cup of sliced mushrooms, 1/2 cup of pearl barley, 4 cups of beef broth, 2 diced carrots, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 tsp of thyme, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef stew meat. Season the meat with salt and pepper, and brown it on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step enhances the flavor of the stew.
- Once the beef is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside on a plate. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and diced carrots. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and the carrots start to soften.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Return the browned beef to the pot and stir in the sliced mushrooms. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mushrooms begin to soften.
- Pour in the 4 cups of beef broth and add the 1/2 cup of pearl barley. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Add the thyme and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for about 1 hour. This slow cooking will tenderize the beef and allow the flavors to meld.
- After 1 hour, check the tenderness of the beef. If it is not tender enough, continue to simmer for an additional 15-30 minutes, checking occasionally.
- Once the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This will help the flavors settle.
- Serve the Beefy Mushroom and Barley Stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy your hearty meal!
Tips
- Meat Matters: Choose well-marbled beef stew meat for maximum flavor and tenderness. The fat helps create a richer, more luxurious stew.
- Browning is Key: Take your time when browning the meat. Those golden-brown edges develop deep, complex flavors that are essential to an amazing stew.
- Low and Slow: Patience is crucial! Simmering the stew on low heat allows the beef to become incredibly tender and lets all the flavors meld together perfectly.
- Barley Basics: Rinse your pearl barley before adding it to remove any excess starch and prevent a gummy texture.
- Fresh Herb Finishing: Consider garnishing with fresh thyme or parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh note to the rich stew.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance. The flavors will continue to develop overnight.
- Liquid Love: If the stew becomes too thick during cooking, don't hesitate to add a bit more beef broth to maintain the perfect consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 80mg
