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Cozy Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Stew: Easy, Hearty Dinner

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This cozy slow cooker beef and barley stew is a hearty, hands-off meal that fills your house with warmth. Tender beef, chewy barley, and savory broth come together for a comforting dinner that tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup pearl barley
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat beef cubes dry, season with salt and pepper, and brown in batches for 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a bowl.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add onion, carrots, and celery to the same skillet. Cook for 5 minutes until onions are translucent. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
  3. Build the flavor base: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and rosemary.
  4. Assemble in the slow cooker: Transfer vegetables to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add browned beef, undrained tomatoes, bay leaves, and beef broth. Stir.
  5. Cook on low for 4 hours.
  6. Add the barley: Stir in pearl barley, ensuring it is submerged. Cover and cook on low for another 2 to 2.5 hours until barley is tender but still chewy.
  7. Finish and adjust: Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. If too thick, add extra broth; if too thin, cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes.
  8. Rest and serve: Let stew sit for 10 minutes. Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley, and serve with crusty bread.

Notes

Do not skip browning the beef for best flavor. Add barley halfway through cooking to avoid mushiness. Stew tastes even better the next day. For gluten-free, substitute barley with brown rice or quinoa.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker beef and barley stew, hearty beef stew, easy slow cooker dinner, comfort food, winter stew

Find it online: https://bakebelle.com/cozy-slow-cooker-beef-and-barley-stew-easy-hearty-dinner/