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.

Tomato and Rice Soup Hearty Tomato and Rice Soup with Herbs and Garlic Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 carrot, diced 1 celery stalk, diced 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried basil 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional) 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes 4 cups vegetable broth 3/4 cup white rice (or brown rice) Salt and pepper to taste Fresh parsley or basil for garnish Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Directions: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes until vegetables are softened. Add garlic, oregano, basil, and chili flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan, if desired. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 4 servings #tomatoricesoup #souprecipes #comfortfood #vegetariansoup #easydinners #riceinbroth #heartymeals #souplover #tomatolovers #homecooking #herbalsoup #weeknightrecipes #souprecipeideas #veggiesoup #souphacks #plantbasedsoups #familydinners #ricebasedsoup #soupseason #simpleingredients A warm bowl of Tomato and Rice Soup is all you need on a chilly day. Comforting, herby, and hearty with just the right balance of flavors.

Beef and Oxtail Soup Slow-Simmered Beef and Oxtail Soup with Root Vegetables and Herbs Ingredients: 1 lb oxtail pieces 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 large onion, chopped 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 carrots, sliced 2 celery stalks, sliced 1 large potato, cubed 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon black pepper Salt to taste 8 cups beef broth or water 2 tablespoons tomato paste Fresh parsley, for garnish Directions: Heat vegetable oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Brown oxtail and beef stew meat in batches, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside. In the same pot, add onion and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another 1–2 minutes. Return the meat to the pot. Add bay leaf, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Pour in beef broth or water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until meat is tender and falling off the bone. Add carrots, celery, and potatoes. Continue to simmer for another 25–30 minutes, until vegetables are soft. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 2 hours 15 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 6 servings #beefandoxtailsoup #heartymeals #comfortfood #slowcooked #souprecipe #winterwarmer #beefsoup #bonebroth #homemadesoup #oxtailrecipes #onepotmeals #comfortinabowl #slowcookedsoup #rootvegetables #beeflovers #familydinner #traditionalrecipes #soulfood #herbysoups #meatysoup There’s nothing like a slow-simmered Beef and Oxtail Soup to warm your soul. Tender meat, rich broth, and hearty veggies—this is comfort in a bowl!

Creamy Mushroom and Sausage Pasta Savory Pasta with Creamy Mushroom Sauce and Italian Sausage Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine) 1 tbsp olive oil 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed) 1 small onion, finely chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 10 oz mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian herbs 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional) 1 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Salt and black pepper, to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Directions: Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and mushrooms, sautéing until mushrooms release their juices and become golden. Stir in thyme and deglaze with white wine (if using), cooking until slightly reduced. Pour in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan and cooked sausage. Season with salt and pepper. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed. Serve warm, topped with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes Kcal: 620 kcal | Servings: 4 servings #sausagemushroompasta #creamycomfortfood #easyweeknightdinner #pastarecipe #italiandinner #comfortpasta #skilletmeal #onepanpasta #heartyitalian #cheesypasta #quickdinners #homemadepasta #familydinnerideas #parmesancream #savorysauce #italianrecipes #pastaandmeat #fallcomfortfood #mushroomlovers #weeknightcooking This Creamy Mushroom & Sausage Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal Hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every bite.

Beef and Pinto Bean Soup Hearty Beef and Pinto Bean Soup with Tomatoes, Spices, and Vegetables Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef or stew beef, browned 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using stew beef) 1 medium onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 carrots, diced 2 celery stalks, diced 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes 4 cups beef broth 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1 bay leaf Salt and pepper, to taste Optional: chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish Directions: In a large soup pot, brown the beef over medium heat. If using stew beef, heat olive oil first and sear beef until browned on all sides. Add onion and garlic, sauté 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in carrots and celery, cooking another 3–4 minutes. Add pinto beans, diced tomatoes, beef broth, cumin, paprika, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and flavors meld. Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve warm. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 4–5 servings #beefsoup #pintobeansoup #heartyhomemadesoup #comfortfood #souprecipe #beefandbeans #easyweeknightmeals #onepotdinners #beanbasedsoup #beefbrothrecipes #rusticsoup #soupszn #homemadesoupideas #vegetablesoup #proteinpacked #familydinnerideas #nourishingmeals #savorycomfort #soupsandstews #beansfordinner When it’s cold outside, this Beef and Pinto Bean Soup brings all the cozy vibes! So hearty, so flavorful.