Because of popular demand over on Instagram, I am sharing my Rich Beef and Barley Stew today. This recipe is classic and one that you’ll make again and again. It’s a recipe that your kids will ask for when they’re grown. I know because my mom used to make it for us when we were little.

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Watch how I make this stew

You know that feeling when you walk into your home after a long day and you can smell something delicious to eat? I love that this stew instantly creates an inviting feeling as your family gathers to enjoy the rich flavors of slow simmered beef and garden vegetables. The scents of home are lasting, and create feelings within our hearts. I love gathering with my little family at the table, especially during the cold months to enjoy a warm bowl of rich beef and barley stew with these breadsticks or crescent rolls the side.

My favorite splurge-worthy dutch oven for soup and bread

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Tips for making Rich Beef and Barley stew:

Quality beef. This is my #1 for this stew! It makes such a difference to purchase quality meat. I love Costco’s stew meat for this recipe.
Give it time. This recipe turns out so much better if you start it early in the day so the beef has hours to simmer and tenderize throughout the day. Truly these little bites of tender beef are like eating a slow-cooked pot roast.
Garden veggies. I am a huge fan of using garden vegetables for this stew if you can. Why? Garden vegetables like green beans, peas and carrots are loaded with flavors that a grocery store can’t touch. Don’t gave access to a garden vegetable or farmer’s market? Don’t worry, it will still be fantastic!
Use beef broth AND au jus. This is my secret for a really delicious rich beef flavor in the broth. I also love to use a little corn starch to thicken the broth. This really transforms it into a beautiful stew.

Rich Beef and Barley Stew

Handmade Farmhouse

A rich beef broth and loaded with garden vegetables like peas, carrots, corn, potatoes and green beans, this stew will quickly become a family favorite!

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Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Ingredients

2 32oz Boxes of Beef stock I like Swanson cooking stock brand
1 Packet Beef Au Jus Gravy from McCormick
2-3 pounds beef stew meat I love Costco's pre-cut meat
1/2 Tablespoon butter with a splash of olive oil (optional)
2 cups fresh or frozen corn
2 medium russet potatoes peeled and cut into bite sized pieces
2 cups chopped green beans
2 cups Fresh or frozen peas
2 cups chopped fresh or frozen carrots
2 Stalks celery
1/2 cup barley
1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Fresh thyme for garnish

To thicken stew:

1 tablespoon corn starch
1/2 cup water

Instructions

In a soup pot, turn heat to medium high and add 1/2 tablespoon butter and a splash of olive oil.
Sear meat until browned. Transfer meat to a large crockpot and pour 64 ounces of beef broth. Add in packet of Au Just gravy. This will add depth of flavor! Allow to simmer on high heat for 4 hours or low for 6.
Beef should be very tender. Transfer meat and broth back to cleaned soup pot and add chopped vegetables, barley, and spices and salt.
Allow to simmer for 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender and barley is plump.
Thicken with a cornstarch slurry if desired. Mix water and corn starch and add to boiling soup. The stew should instantly thicken.
The barley will thicken the stew slightly on it's own, so this step is totally optional!

Notes

** If you wish to keep this stew gluten free, omit the barley.

Recipe may be cut in half for a smaller batch.

Soup can be stored for up to 3 days in the fridge. It may also be cooled and frozen but the vegetables will not be as crisp and delicious.

If you want to leave the soup in the crockpot and skip transferring it back to the soup pot to boil, you may add veggies/spices/barley and seasoning to the crockpot but you will need to add an additional hour of time for veggies to simmer and get tender.

We love this recipe with a side of easy homemade breadsticks or fool-proof crescent rolls (both recipes can be found on handmadefarmhouse.com!)

Keyword beef stew, hearty soup, soup, stew

want to make this recipe for later? pin it!

Looking for other hearty soups for fall and winter?

You’ll love our Garden Harvest Minestrone!