Hearty Beef & Barley Stew with Mushrooms, Potatoes and Carrots

Hearty beef and barley stew with carrots, potatoes and cremini mushrooms cooked in a herby beef broth.

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 35-40 min

Calories: 497 Fat: 20g Carbs: 61g Protein: 38g

Minnesota winters call for hearty, stick-to-your-ribs stews! Using a more tender cut of beef, we shorten the cooking time on this rich stew making it just right for a cozy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Carrot

Russet potato

Onion

Cremini mushrooms

Thyme

Garlic

Barley

Beef broth base

Bay leaf

Top sirloin

Shimmering A description of flowing and shiny oil that is nearing its smoke point; an indicator your oil is very hot.

Sear To cook the surface of meat very quickly with intense heat.

Simmer To stew gently below or just at boiling point.

Large pot

Step 1: MISE EN PLACE

Read through entire recipe before getting started. Wash and dry all produce. Remove stem from carrot. Cut into 1/3” slices. Quarter potatoes, then slice into 1/3” pieces. Quarter mushrooms. Remove thyme from stem; rough chop. Mince or grate garlic. Remove steak from package.; rinse pat dry. Cut into ½” cubes.

Step 2: SEAR THE BEEF

Heat 2 Tbsp. oil in large pot over medium heat. When oil begins to shimmer add sirloin. Sear until browned and caramelized, about 4-5 min. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 3: SAUTE AROMATICS

Using the same pan and drippings, add onions and sauté; until soft, about 3-4 min. Reduce heat to low, add garlic and thyme and sauté 1-2 min. The USDA recommends cooking steak to an internal temperature of 145º.

Step 4: MAKE THE BROTH

Add barley to vegetables and toast for 2-3 min stirring constantly. Add beef broth base and 4 cups water, mix until incorporated. Add carrots and potatoes, stir well. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to boil, reduce to simmer. Cover and cook for 15 min. Remove lid and simmer another 5 min.

Step 5: FINISH THE STEW

Add steak and cremini mushrooms to barley, cook stirring for 2-3 min. Season with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf and discard.

Step 6: PLATE YOUR DISH

Divide stew between two bowls. Enjoy!