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Spelt Beef & Barley Stew

deep cast iron pot filled with Spelt Beef and Barley Stew.

Warming Food That Works

Why this stew hits the spot:
This Spelt Beef and Barley Stew is the perfect slow-cooked meal for cooler weather. It’s packed with tender beef, earthy root veg, and nutty spelt – a great source of fibre and protein.

Simple, satisfying, and filling:
Everything goes into one pot and simmers until rich and deeply flavoured. It’s easy to make, stores well, and tastes even better the next day. No fuss – just solid, home-style cooking.

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 2 hrs
Rest Time 5 mins
Total Time 2 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6
Estimated Cost: 11.50
Calories: 480
Best Season: Winter
Dietary: Contains gluten
Description

A hearty stew made with beef, spelt, pearl barley, and root vegetables. Slow-cooked until rich and tender. A wholesome, comforting dish for cold days.

Ingredients
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 750 g Stewing Beef (Cut into chunks)
  • 2 Onions (Chopped)
  • 2 Carrots (Diced)
  • 2 Celery Stalks (Diced)
  • 2 Garlic Cloves (Finely Chopped)
  • 1 tbsp Tomato Purée
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme
  • 1 tsp Dried Rosemary
  • 100 g Pearl Barley (Rinsed)
  • 80 g Whole Spelt Grains (Rinsed)
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 1 Litre Beef Stock
  • Salt and Pepper (To taste)
Instructions
    Brown the beef:
  1. 1
    Heat oil in a large heavy pan. Sear beef in batches until browned all over. Set aside.
    2. Cook the veg:
  2. 2
    In the same pan, add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 8 minutes until softened.
    3. Add flavour:
  3. 3
    Stir in tomato purée, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 2 minutes.
    4. Add grains:
  4. 4
    Add barley, spelt, and bay leaf. Stir to coat everything in the flavour base.
    5. Return beef & add stock:
  5. 5
    Add the browned beef back in. Pour over the stock and bring to a boil.
    6. Simmer low:
  6. 6
    Cover and simmer on low heat for 1 hour 45 minutes. Stir occasionally.
    7. Check & season:
  7. 7
    Remove bay leaf, taste, and season with salt and pepper. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 480kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 18g28%
Saturated Fat 6g30%
Cholesterol 90mg30%
Sodium 450mg19%
Potassium 670mg20%
Total Carbohydrate 38g13%
Dietary Fiber 6g24%
Sugars 5g
Protein 39g78%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Additional Notes

  • Rinse spelt and barley well before cooking to remove any dust or husks.
  • Use a cast iron or heavy-bottomed pot for best results.

Substitutions & Storage

  • No spelt? Use more pearl barley or swap in brown rice (adjust liquid and cooking time).
  • Veg swap: Parsnips or swede work well in place of carrot or celery.
  • Freezing: Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently on the hob or in the microwave until piping hot.
Keywords: beef stew, one-pot meal, spelt recipe, barley stew, slow-cooked beef, winter stew

Tips & Variations

Take it up a notch

  • Add mushrooms: Toss in a handful of mushrooms for earthy flavour.
  • Make it spicy: Add a pinch of chilli flakes or smoked paprika for extra warmth.
  • Slow cooker: Sear beef and veg first, then cook on low for 6–8 hours in a slow cooker.
  • Leftover twist: Use leftovers as pie filling with puff pastry on top.

Conclusion

This Spelt Beef and Barley Stew is proper comfort food that also happens to be good for you. It’s rich, filling, and easy to batch cook. If you’re after a winter winner that feeds the whole family, this is the one.

Give it a go and let us know how you make it your own!

Read it online: https://greatbritishspeltrecipes.com/recipe/spelt-beef-barley-stew/
Valentina - Spelt Recipes
Valentina
A dietitian with a passion for spelt cooking. After trying different diets, I found spelt works best in my kitchen. Join me for simple, delicious recipes that bring out the best in this ancient grain!