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.

Sheet Pan Sticky Sweet and Sour Chicken Easy Sheet Pan Sweet & Sour Chicken with Pineapple Glaze Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks 1 red bell pepper, chopped 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped 1 red onion, chopped 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained) 1 tablespoon olive oil Salt and black pepper to taste For the Sticky Sweet and Sour Sauce: 1/3 cup ketchup 1/4 cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar 1/4 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water Directions: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss chicken pieces, bell peppers, onion, and pineapple with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread out on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk together ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens (2–3 minutes). Remove from heat. Remove sheet pan from the oven, pour sauce evenly over chicken and veggies, and toss to coat. Return to the oven and bake for another 10–12 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked and caramelized. Serve hot over rice or noodles and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 4 servings #sweetandsourchicken #sheetpanmeals #easychickendinner #stickychicken #onepanrecipes #pineapplechicken #homemadechinesefood #weeknightmeals #healthyishcomfort #saucychicken #bakedchickenrecipes #easyfamilydinners #ovenroastedchicken #glazedchicken #sweetandspicy #chickenandpeppers #onepanmagic #savoryandsweet #familyfavorite #quickcomfortfood Craving takeout? Try this Sticky Sweet and Sour Chicken made on a single sheet pan—crispy, saucy, and packed with pineapple flavor!

Beef and Potato Tacos Crispy Beef and Potato Tacos with Smoky Spices and Fresh Toppings Ingredients: 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 small onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 lb (225g) ground beef 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon chili powder Salt and pepper to taste 1 medium russet potato, peeled and diced small 1/2 cup water or beef broth 8 small corn tortillas 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional) Toppings: shredded lettuce, chopped tomato, sour cream, hot sauce, fresh cilantro, lime wedges Directions: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5–6 minutes. Stir in cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add diced potatoes and water or broth. Cover and simmer on low for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender and the mixture has thickened. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable. Spoon the beef and potato filling into each tortilla. Top with cheese (if using) and other desired toppings. Serve immediately with lime wedges and extra hot sauce on the side. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 4 servings #beeftacos #potatorecipes #tacotuesday #mexicaninspired #groundbeefrecipes #comfortfood #easytacorecipes #weeknightdinner #flavorfulmeals #texmexfavorites #homemadetacos #beefandpotato #familydinners #quickmeals #tacobowlideas #meatyrecipes #tacorecipeideas #heartytacos #easycomfortfood #potatotacos It’s taco night! These Beef and Potato Tacos are crispy, savory, and filled with smoky spice. Perfect for feeding the whole crew!

Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Garlic-Sautéed Broccoli Ingredients: 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 2 tablespoons olive oil Salt and pepper, to taste 3 cups fresh broccoli florets 3 tablespoons butter 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 1/2 cups heavy cream 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Directions: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. While the pasta cooks, season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly. In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté broccoli for 3–4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Remove and set aside. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and nutmeg. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and broccoli to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes Kcal: 640 kcal | Servings: 4 servings #chickenalfredo #broccolipasta #creamyalfredo #comfortfoodrecipes #easyitalian #weeknightdinner #homemadepasta #garlicalfredo #pastarecipes #chickenrecipes #cheesysauce #broccolirecipes #quickmeals #familydinners #creamycomfort #alfredosauce #parmesanpasta #dinnerideas #easyrecipes #classicitalian Creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor — this Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is the ultimate cozy dinner night winner!