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Hearty beef barley stew slow cooker comfort 2025 09 30 235736 150x150 2

Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Stew


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  • Author: crockcozy
  • Total Time: 255 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: None

Description

A hearty and comforting beef and barley stew made effortlessly in a slow cooker, perfect for busy weeks.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs beef stew meat, chopped
  • 3 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth (low sodium)
  • 1 cup water
  • 2/3 cup pearl barley
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: mushrooms, potatoes, or a splash of red wine

Instructions

  1. Cut beef into bite-sized cubes, season with salt and pepper, and brown in a pan before adding to the slow cooker.
  2. Dice carrots, celery, and onion, and add them into the slow cooker.
  3. Add beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and herbs to the slow cooker.
  4. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, adding barley halfway through cooking.
  5. Remove the bay leaf, taste for seasoning, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding broth or water if it thickens too much.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 240 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg