Midwest-Inspired Beef and Barley Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty stew combining tender beef, nutty barley, and root vegetables, capturing the comforting flavors reminiscent of the Midwest region. This american-inspired beef ready in about 100 minutes pairs tablespoons olive oil, large, diced yellow onion, sliced celery stalks for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 6, 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: 80 min Serves 6 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 2 pounds beef chuck cubes and brown on all sides for 6-8 minutes, working in batches if needed. Remove beef and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 large diced yellow onion, 3 sliced carrots, and 2 sliced celery stalks to the pot. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Return beef to pot and pour in 6 cups beef broth. Add 3/4 cup pearled barley, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1 hour 15 minutes until beef is tender and barley is cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Remove bay leaf, adjust seasoning if needed, and garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Midwest-Inspired Beef and Barley Stew take to make?

Total time is about 100 minutes (20 min prep + 80 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 Midwest-Inspired 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 tablespoons olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Midwest-Inspired 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 Midwest-Inspired Beef and Barley Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Midwest-Inspired 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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