How to Make the Perfect Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Stew
American · Easy · 495 min · 6 servings
This hearty slow cooker stew combines tender chunks of beef with pearl barley and root vegetables in a rich savory broth. It is the ultimate cozy fall meal that practically cooks itself while filling your home with incredible aroma.
Why this recipe works
This Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Stew recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 495 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 380 calories with 28g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 pounds beef chuck cut into 1 inch cubes
- 0.75 cup pearl barley rinsed
- 3 medium carrots peeled and sliced
- 2 medium parsnips peeled and chopped
- 4 cups low sodium beef broth
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Sear the Beef
Season the beef chuck cubes generously with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium high heat with a splash of oil and sear the beef in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned on the outside. Transfer the seared beef directly into the slow cooker insert.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Barley
Add the rinsed pearl barley, sliced carrots, and chopped parsnips to the slow cooker on top of the beef. Pour the beef broth over everything and sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves throughout. Stir gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Step 3: Slow Cook Low and Slow
Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 8 hours or on the high setting for 4 to 5 hours. Do not lift the lid during cooking as this releases heat and extends the cooking time significantly.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Once cooking is complete taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. The barley should be fully tender and the beef should fall apart easily when pressed with a spoon. Ladle into deep bowls and serve with crusty bread.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- beef chuck → lamb shoulder or boneless chicken thighs
- pearl barley → farro or brown rice for a gluten free version
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the searing step which means the beef will lack depth of flavor and color in the final stew
- Adding too much liquid because the slow cooker retains moisture and the stew will become watery
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 380 calories, 28g protein, 34g carbs, 12g fat, 6g fiber.
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