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Cozy Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Stew

Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Stew - featured image
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A hearty, comfort-food stew made with tender beef chuck, pearl barley, and vegetables in a slow cooker. This easy, set-it-and-forget-it recipe delivers rich flavor and soul-soothing warmth without the need for searing or complex techniques.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
  • 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1–2 bay leaves
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cut the beef chuck roast into uniform 1-inch cubes and place them into the slow cooker insert.
  2. Peel and chop the carrots into 1-inch chunks, dice the yellow onion, and mince the garlic. Add these vegetables to the slow cooker with the beef.
  3. Sprinkle the dried thyme and bay leaves over the beef and vegetables.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Pour this mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
  5. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Stir everything together gently to combine.
  6. Rinse the pearl barley under cold water and add it to the slow cooker. Stir to ensure the barley is submerged in the liquid.
  7. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours. Check at the 4-hour mark if using HIGH to prevent the barley from becoming mushy.
  8. Once cooked, remove the bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. If the stew is too thin, leave the lid off on HIGH for 30 minutes to reduce. If too thick, add a splash of water or broth.
  9. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread or biscuits.

Notes

Pearl barley is recommended for faster cooking and softer texture; hulled barley takes longer and is chewier. If using instant barley, add it in the last 30 minutes of cooking. For a richer flavor, you can brown the beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. The stew thickens as it sits; add liquid when reheating. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, beef stew, barley stew, comfort food, winter recipes, easy dinner, one pot meal, hearty stew

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/cozy-slow-cooker-beef-and-barley-stew-easy-comfort-food/