Savor the warmth with our Cozy Comfort recipe: a Hearty Beef and Pearl Barley Casserole. Featuring tender beef, nutritious barley, and veggies for pure delight!
Cozy Comfort: Hearty Beef and Pearl Barley Casserole Delight
Introduction:
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there's nothing quite like the allure of a warm, hearty casserole to bring comfort to your kitchen table. This Hearty Beef and Pearl Barley Casserole is a perfect balance of tender beef, earthy vegetables, and chewy pearl barley, all simmered together to create a wholesome dish that's sure to invite loved ones to linger a little longer. Packed with flavors and nourishing ingredients, this casserole is not only a family favorite but also an excellent option for meal prepping. Get ready to experience the quintessence of cozy comfort with every spoonful.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, can be substituted with more beef broth)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a large, oven-safe casserole dish or Dutch oven for later use.
Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and black pepper. In batches, sear the beef cubes in the hot skillet until they are browned on all sides. This process will take about 5-7 minutes per batch. Once done, transfer the seared beef to a plate and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if necessary. Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Combine Ingredients: Add the diced carrots and celery to the skillet, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes. Add the pearl barley, stirring to coat it with the juices from the vegetables. Stir in the tomato paste, mixing until evenly distributed.
Build the Broth: Pour in the red wine, if using, and let it simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off slightly. Then, pour in the beef broth and return the seared beef to the skillet. Add the dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine.
Simmer and Transfer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then transfer everything into the prepared casserole dish or Dutch oven.
Bake: Cover the dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil and place it into the preheated oven. Let it bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the barley has absorbed most of the liquid.
Final Touches: Remove the casserole from the oven and stir in the frozen peas. The residual heat will quickly warm them through. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Garnish and Serve: Before serving, remove the bay leaf. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Conclusion:
This Cozy Comfort: Hearty Beef and Pearl Barley Casserole is more than just a meal; it's an experience of warmth and togetherness. Perfect for those chilly nights when you need something nourishing on the table, this casserole invites everyone to partake in old-fashioned comfort with every bite. Whether you're gathering around the family dinner table or saving portions for future meals, this dish promises to be a cherished addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy the heartiness, savor the flavors, and relish in the cozy comfort of this delightful casserole.