South-Central Idaho Beef and Barley Stew

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

A comforting stew combining tender beef chunks with hearty barley and root vegetables, inspired by the rustic flavors of South-Central Idaho. This american-inspired beef ready in about 100 minutes pairs pearl barley, diced celery stalks, large, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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: 80 min Serves 4 American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb beef chuck stew meat cubes, seasoning with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Brown the beef on all sides for about 5-7 minutes, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large diced yellow onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 diced celery stalks, and 2 sliced carrots. Sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until vegetables soften and are fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavor.
  4. Step 4: Return the beef to the pot. Add 4 cups beef broth, 1 cup water, 1/2 cup pearl barley, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir well.
  5. Step 5: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer gently for 1 hour 15 minutes until the beef is tender and barley is cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot with crusty bread.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does South-Central Idaho 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 South-Central Idaho 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 pearl barley from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in South-Central Idaho 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 South-Central Idaho 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 South-Central Idaho 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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