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Cozy Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Stew: 5-Ingredient Easy Dinner

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A hearty, fork-tender beef and barley stew that requires minimal effort. This slow cooker recipe delivers rich flavor and a comforting texture without the need for searing or constant supervision.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup pearl barley
  • 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 large carrots, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the beef chuck roast dry with paper towels and cut into 1-inch uniform cubes.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the beef, diced onion, diced carrots, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the beef is lightly coated in spices.
  3. Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture into the insert of a 6-quart slow cooker.
  4. Pour in the beef broth, ensuring the liquid comes about halfway up the ingredients.
  5. Rinse the pearl barley under cold water and add it to the pot. Stir gently to distribute.
  6. Cover the slow cooker and set to LOW for 8 hours.
  7. After 8 hours, check that the beef is fork-tender. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed.
  8. If the stew is too thin, cook on HIGH for 30 minutes uncovered to thicken.

Notes

Do not skip patting the beef dry to help spices adhere. Slow cookers retain moisture, so avoid adding extra liquid. Barley continues to absorb liquid as it cools, so the stew will thicken significantly in the fridge. For distinct barley grains, add them in the last 2 hours of cooking, though adding them at the start is acceptable for a thicker stew. If using a 5-quart slow cooker, reduce broth to 3 cups.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/cozy-slow-cooker-beef-and-barley-stew-5-ingredient-easy-dinner/