Hearty North Platte Beef and Barley Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich and warming beef and barley stew with root vegetables, perfect for a cozy meal inspired by the rugged North Platte region. This american-inspired beef ready in about 110 minutes pairs beef chuck, cubed, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 90 min Serves 4 American cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 1 lb cubed beef chuck with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering, then brown the beef in batches for 4 minutes per side until deeply caramelized; remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same pot, add 1 large diced yellow onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks; sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp tomato paste; cook for 1 minute until fragrant and the paste darkens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Return beef to the pot and add 4 cups beef broth, 3/4 cup pearl barley, 3 fresh thyme sprigs, and 1 bay leaf.
  6. Step 6: Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour 15 minutes until beef is tender and barley is cooked through.
  7. Step 7: Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf, stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Hearty North Platte Beef and Barley Stew take to make?

Total time is about 110 minutes (20 min prep + 90 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Hearty North Platte Beef and Barley Stew?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef chuck, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hearty North Platte Beef and Barley Stew?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Hearty North Platte Beef and Barley Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Hearty North Platte Beef and Barley Stew?

American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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