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Beef and Barley Stew (Crock Pot) Recipe

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4.2 from 12 reviews

This crock pot beef and barley stew is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for busy families. Combining tender beef, nutritious barley, and a medley of vegetables, this stew simmers slowly to develop rich flavors, making it a delicious and filling meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Meat and Broth

  • 1 1/2 lbs beef (any fatty cut), cut into one-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp Better Than Bouillon broth concentrate (beef or chicken base)

Vegetables

  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 medium carrot, chopped
  • 1 1/2 lbs mushrooms, sliced

Grains and Spices

  • 1 1/2 cups barley
  • 4 bay leaves
  • 1 tbsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper (adjust to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by dicing the onion, chopping the carrot, slicing the mushrooms, and cutting the beef into one-inch cubes. This preparation ensures all components are ready to go into the crock pot.
  2. Add Ingredients to Crock Pot: Place the beef, onion, carrot, mushrooms, barley, and bay leaves into the crock pot. Stir to combine everything evenly.
  3. Season the Stew: Add the Better Than Bouillon broth concentrate, salt, and ground black pepper to the crock pot. Mix well to distribute the seasoning throughout the ingredients.
  4. Cook the Stew: Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on low heat for 2 hours. This slow cooking method allows the beef to become tender and the barley to absorb the flavors of the broth and vegetables thoroughly.
  5. Final Touches and Serve: After 2 hours, taste the stew and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Serve hot and enjoy a comforting bowl of beef and barley stew.

Notes

  • Adjust salt and pepper to taste according to your preference.
  • If you prefer a thicker stew, you can cook uncovered for an additional 15-30 minutes to reduce the liquid.
  • Use fatty cuts of beef for more tender and flavorful results.
  • Barley absorbs liquid, so ensure there is enough broth or water to prevent the stew from drying out.
  • The Better Than Bouillon broth concentrate can be substituted with any beef or chicken broth, but the concentrate adds a deeper flavor.