Hearty Beef and Barley Stew

This rich and satisfying stew combines tender chunks of beef with nutritious barley and vegetables, creating a complete meal in one pot. Perfect for cold weather, this stew gets better as it sits, making it ideal for leftovers.

Recipe Tips for Success

Before you start:

  • Cut beef into uniform 1-inch cubes
  • Rinse barley before adding
  • Don’t skip the browning step
  • Layer ingredients properly for best results

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Hearty Beef and Barley Stew

Servings

8

servings
Prep time

25

minutes
Cooking time

8

hours 
Calories

420

kcal

This rich and satisfying stew combines tender chunks of beef with nutritious barley and vegetables, creating a complete meal in one pot. Perfect for cold weather, this stew gets better as it sits, making it ideal for leftovers.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed

  • 1 cup pearl barley

  • 3 carrots, chopped

  • 2 celery stalks, chopped

  • 1 large onion, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 6 cups beef broth

  • 1 can diced tomatoes

  • 2 bay leaves

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  • Brown meat in batches and transfer to slow cooker
  • Add vegetables and barley
  • Pour in broth and tomatoes
  • Add seasonings and stir gently
  • Cook on low 6-8 hours until meat is tender
  • Remove bay leaves before serving

Notes

  • Barley will thicken stew as it cooks
  • Add more broth if needed during cooking

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with crusty bread or rolls
  • Top with fresh parsley
  • Add a dollop of sour cream
  • Pairs well with a simple green salad

Storage Instructions

  • Store in refrigerator up to 5 days
  • Freeze for up to 3 months
  • May need additional liquid when reheating

Common Questions

  • Can I use quick barley? Add in last hour of cooking
  • Is it too thick? Add more broth as needed
  • Can I use different vegetables? Yes, adjust accordingly

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