Description
A comforting Beef and Barley Stew made in a slow cooker, perfect for chilly evenings and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning the beef)
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by cutting the beef into cubes, chopping the vegetables, and mincing the garlic.
- Brown the beef in a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add the sliced carrots, chopped celery, diced onion, minced garlic, and pearl barley to the slow cooker.
- Pour the beef broth over the mixture and add dried thyme, bay leaves, and additional salt and pepper. Stir gently.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until the beef is tender and barley is cooked through.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use quinoa instead of barley.
- Swap beef for chicken or turkey for a lighter stew.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Consider adding mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Beef, Barley, Stew, Slow Cooker, Comfort Food