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Cozy Dutch Oven Beef and Barley Stew

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A hearty, slow-simmered winter stew featuring tender beef chuck, pearl barley, and root vegetables, braised in a rich broth with red wine and herbs for deep, caramelized flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2–3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
  • 1 cup pearl barley
  • 3–4 large carrots, peeled and cut into thick chunks
  • 2 large yellow onions, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
  • Fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaves
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Butter and olive oil for searing

Instructions

  1. Pat beef cubes dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat Dutch oven over medium-high heat with olive oil and half the butter. Sear beef in batches until deeply browned (3-4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter, onions, and carrots. Cook until onions are translucent and carrots soften (5-7 minutes).
  4. Add garlic and tomato paste; cook for 1 minute until fragrant and paste darkens.
  5. Pour in red wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up brown bits (fond). Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Return beef and juices to the pot. Add broth, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
  7. Simmer gently for 1.5 hours until beef is tender.
  8. Stir in pearl barley. Cover and simmer for another 45-60 minutes until barley is cooked and stew is thickened.
  9. Remove lid, taste, and adjust seasoning. Remove bay leaves and thyme stems. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not rush the browning step; it creates the flavor foundation. If using a slow cooker, brown beef and veggies separately first, then cook on low for 6-8 hours, adding barley in the last hour. Freeze stew without barley to prevent mushiness upon thawing.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef stew, barley stew, dutch oven recipe, winter comfort food, slow cooker alternative, hearty stew, one pot meal

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/cozy-dutch-oven-beef-and-barley-stew-easy-1-pot-winter-recipe/