Chef John's Beef and Barley Stew Hearty Beef and Barley Stew with Root Vegetables and Herbs Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 large onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 3 carrots, sliced 2 stalks celery, sliced 1 parsnip or turnip, peeled and diced (optional) 1 cup pearl barley 8 cups beef broth 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 bay leaf Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Directions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, then set aside. In the same pot, add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute more to deepen the flavor. Return the beef to the pot along with carrots, celery, parsnip (if using), barley, thyme, bay leaf, and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Discard the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with crusty bread. Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes Kcal: 420 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings #beefandbarleystew #heartymeals #comfortfood #soulfood #chefjohnrecipe #winterwarmers #onepotmeal #stewseason #wholesomecooking #classicrecipes #barleydishes #slowcookedbeef #dutchovenrecipes #homemadestew #rootvegetables #herbandbeef #heartyrecipes #simmeredgoodness #beefstewlove #familydinners Nothing warms the soul like a steaming bowl of Beef and Barley Stew! This Chef John classic is rich, rustic, and full of deep flavor.

Spaghetti with Bolognese Sauce Hearty Italian Spaghetti with Classic Slow-Simmered Bolognese Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 carrot, finely diced 1 celery stalk, finely diced 1 pound ground beef (or beef/pork blend) 1/4 cup tomato paste 1/2 cup dry red wine 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried basil Salt and pepper to taste 1/2 cup whole milk or cream 12 oz spaghetti Freshly grated Parmesan and parsley for garnish Directions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavor. Pour in red wine and allow it to simmer for 2–3 minutes until reduced slightly. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer the sauce for at least 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in milk or cream during the last 10 minutes for added richness. Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Serve the Bolognese sauce over the spaghetti. Top with Parmesan and fresh parsley. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour Kcal: 610 kcal | Servings: 4 servings #bolognese #italianpasta #spaghettibolognese #classicrecipes #comfortfood #heartymeals #pastanight #homemadesauce #beefrecipes #slowcookedflavors #familydinner #tomatobasedsauce #weeknightdinners #italiancomfort #authenticbolognese #parmesantopping #easyitalian #redwinesauce #meatsauce #pastaandwine Slow-simmered comfort This Spaghetti with Bolognese Sauce brings the flavors of Italy straight to your table.

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice, Meat & Cheese Classic Stuffed Bell Peppers with Savory Beef, Rice, and Melted Cheese Ingredients: 6 large bell peppers (any color), tops cut off and seeds removed 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 medium onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey 1 cup cooked white or brown rice 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon paprika Salt and pepper to taste 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, divided Fresh parsley for garnish Directions: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil and blanch the bell peppers for 2–3 minutes. Drain and set aside. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 more minutes, letting flavors blend. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Fill each bell pepper with the rice and meat mixture and place in a baking dish. Sprinkle the tops with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes Kcal: 385 kcal | Servings: 6 servings #stuffedpeppers #comfortfood #groundbeefrecipes #cheesyrecipes #bellpeppers #familydinner #ovenbaked #homemade #savorymeals #riceandmeat #glutenfreefriendly #easymeals #weeknightdinner #mealprep #bakedpeppers #classicrecipes #mozzarellalove #onepanmeal #vegetablemaincourse #heartyfood Nothing says comfort food like these classic Stuffed Bell Peppers with savory beef, rice, and melty cheese! Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!

French Potato Salad Herbed French Potato Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette Ingredients: 2 pounds small red or fingerling potatoes, unpeeled 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1 small shallot, finely minced 1 tablespoon capers, drained 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon (or chives) Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Optional: 2 hard-boiled eggs, quartered (for serving) 1/4 cup thinly sliced radishes (for crunch) Directions: Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 12–15 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a knife. Drain the potatoes and let cool slightly. When cool enough to handle, slice into halves or quarters depending on size. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced shallot. Season with salt and pepper. Gently toss the warm potatoes with the vinaigrette to absorb flavor. Add capers, chopped herbs, and mix gently. Let the salad sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with optional hard-boiled eggs or radishes. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 6 servings #frenchrecipes #potatosalad #summerdishes #herbs #vinaigrette #sidedishes #vegetarianrecipes #glutenfreerecipes #homemadesalads #simpleeats #freshingredients #parisianfood #dijonmustard #easylunch #picnicideas #frenchkitchen #seasonalfood #classicrecipes #noeggsalad #oliveoilbased This French Potato Salad is a picnic dream! Tossed with Dijon vinaigrette, fresh herbs, and no mayo — it's light, bright, and full of flavor!

Beef and Cabbage Rolls Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Savory Beef and Rice Ingredients: 1 large head of green cabbage 1 lb ground beef 1/2 cup uncooked white rice 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 egg, beaten 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon paprika 2 cups tomato sauce 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce Directions: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Core the cabbage and gently separate 12–14 whole leaves. Blanch leaves in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until pliable. Drain and cool. In a bowl, mix ground beef, uncooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika. Lay out a cabbage leaf, place 2–3 tablespoons of beef mixture in the center, fold in sides, and roll up tightly. Repeat with remaining leaves. In a bowl, combine tomato sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Place a few leftover cabbage leaves at the bottom of a large baking dish. Arrange rolls seam-side down. Pour tomato sauce mixture over rolls. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour, or until cooked through and tender. Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes Kcal: 310 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings #stuffedcabbage #beefcabbagerolls #comfortfood #cabbagerecipes #homestylemeals #cabbagerolls #savorybeef #traditionalcooking #bakedbeefrolls #familydinners #rusticdishes #homemadecomfort #classicrecipes #heartycooking #groundbeefrecipes #cabbagelove #rolledcabbage #dinnerideas #mealprep #tomatosauce Classic comfort food done right! These Beef and Cabbage Rolls are stuffed with seasoned beef and rice, all smothered in a rich tomato sauce. So satisfying!