Seared Beef and Barley Mushroom Stew

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

A robust stew featuring seared beef and earthy mushrooms simmered with chewy barley for a filling, rustic dinner. This american-inspired beef ready in about 115 minutes pairs beef chuck, cubed, cremini mushrooms, barley for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 95 min Serves 6 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs cubed beef chuck in batches, searing for 4-5 minutes per batch until browned on all sides. Remove beef and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the pot, then add 1 large diced yellow onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until softened.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms, cooking for 4 minutes until mushrooms release moisture and begin to brown.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 tbsp tomato paste, stirring for 2 minutes until fragrant and coating vegetables.
  5. Step 5: Return beef to the pot along with 5 cups beef broth, 1/2 cup rinsed barley, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil.
  6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour 15 minutes until beef is tender and barley is cooked through. Stir occasionally.
  7. Step 7: Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot with crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Seared Beef and Barley Mushroom Stew take to make?

Total time is about 115 minutes (20 min prep + 95 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 Seared Beef and Barley Mushroom 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 Seared Beef and Barley Mushroom 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 Seared Beef and Barley Mushroom 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 Seared Beef and Barley Mushroom 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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