Cozy Beef and Barley Stew

When the chill sets in and you need something that truly warms you from the inside out, this hearty beef and barley stew is exactly what your kitchen should smell like. Tender chunks of beef melt into a rich, savory broth alongside plump pearl barley that thickens everything into pure comfort. It's the kind of one-pot meal that feels like a hug in a bowl and gets even better as leftovers the next day.

✨ An original recipe written by AI — not kitchen-tested, so trust your taste on seasoning & timing.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3/4 cup pearl barley
• 3 medium carrots, sliced into coins
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Directions

1. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels and season all over with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes total, then transfer to a plate.
3. Reduce heat to medium and add the onion, carrots, and celery to the same pot. Cook stirring occasionally until softened, about 4 minutes.
4. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until fragrant and the paste darkens slightly.
5. Return the browned beef to the pot along with the beef broth, pearl barley, and dried thyme. Stir everything together and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 55 to 60 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the barley is tender and the beef is fall-apart soft.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed, then ladle into bowls and serve hot.

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