Go Back
- 1.5 lbs beef stew meat - 1 cup pearl barley - 4 cups beef broth The main ingredients form the heart of the stew. The beef stew meat provides rich flavor and protein. Pearl barley adds a chewy texture and heartiness. Beef broth gives the stew depth and richness, making it a comforting dish. - 2 medium carrots, diced - 2 stalks celery, diced - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon tomato paste - 2 teaspoons dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 bay leaf The vegetables add color and nutrients. Carrots provide sweetness, while celery adds crunch. Onion and garlic deliver strong flavors that enhance the stew. The tomato paste, thyme, and smoked paprika bring warmth and a hint of earthiness. Don't forget to add salt and pepper for the perfect seasoning. - Fresh parsley for garnish - Optional: crusty bread for serving Garnishing with fresh parsley makes the stew look vibrant. It adds a pop of color and freshness. Pairing the stew with crusty bread is a great idea. The bread soaks up the savory broth and makes the meal feel complete. Enjoy every bite! First, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs of beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes. Sear the meat until it is browned on all sides. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Browning adds rich flavor to the stew. Once done, transfer the beef to your slow cooker. In the same skillet, toss in 1 chopped onion, 2 diced medium carrots, and 2 diced stalks of celery. Add 3 minced cloves of garlic as well. Sauté these for 3-5 minutes until they soften a bit. This step brings out their natural sweetness. Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 2 teaspoons of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another minute to mix the flavors well. Now, add the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker with the beef. Add 1 cup of pearl barley and 4 cups of beef broth to the mix. Don’t forget to add 1 bay leaf. Press everything down gently to ensure the barley is submerged in the liquid. This helps the barley cook evenly. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. You can choose to cook it on low for 8 hours. If you are short on time, cook it on high for 4 hours. Either way, the beef should be tender and the barley cooked through. Before serving, remove the bay leaf. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if needed. This step makes sure every bowl is just right. Ladle the hearty stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a lovely touch. Enjoy your cozy meal! Browning the meat is key for rich taste. When you sear beef stew meat, it develops a nice crust. This process locks in juices and adds depth. Use a hot skillet with olive oil for the best sear. After browning, add chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sautéing them draws out their natural sugars and flavors. This step layers flavors in your stew, making each bite better. Getting the barley right is important. You want it tender but not mushy. Pearl barley takes about an hour to cook in a slow cooker, so check it near the end. If your stew seems too thin, you can thicken it. A simple way is to mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water. Stir this mix into the stew and cook for another 30 minutes. Serve your stew in rustic bowls to enhance the homey feel. This makes every meal special. Don't forget a slice of crusty bread on the side. The bread is perfect for soaking up the rich broth. Garnish with fresh parsley to add color and freshness. This small touch can elevate your dish visually and taste-wise. {{image_2}} You can switch the beef in this stew for other meats. Chicken or turkey works great. These options make the stew lighter. If you want a different taste, try using venison or lamb. Both add rich flavors and pair well with barley. Adding more veggies can change the stew for the better. Try root vegetables like parsnips or potatoes. They add sweetness and texture. You can also use seasonal vegetables for freshness. Think of using squash in fall or green beans in summer. This keeps the dish vibrant and healthy. If you want a gluten-free version, switch pearl barley for quinoa or brown rice. Both grains cook well in the stew. They also offer a nice nutty flavor. Be sure to check your beef broth for gluten-free labels. This small step ensures everyone can enjoy this hearty meal. To store leftovers, let the stew cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Seal it well to keep out air. You can store the stew in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, freeze it instead. For freezing, use a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze the stew for up to three months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. This keeps the texture nice. You can also thaw it in the microwave if you're in a hurry. When reheating, use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, heat it gently over low heat. Stir often to keep it from sticking. In the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps it warm evenly. Always check the flavor and add more salt or pepper if needed. Cooking beef barley stew takes about 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high. The low setting allows flavors to deepen. The high setting cooks faster but may not develop as rich a taste. Both methods yield tender beef and soft barley. Yes, you can prep the night before. Chop the vegetables and store them in the fridge. You can also brown the beef ahead of time. This makes the morning less hectic. Just combine everything in the slow cooker before you leave for the day. Pair your stew with crusty bread for dipping. A simple green salad adds a nice crunch. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for a hearty meal. These sides complement the flavors of the stew well. Yes, you can make this stew in an instant pot. Sear the beef on the sauté setting first. Then, add all ingredients and set for 35 minutes on high pressure. Let it naturally release for about 10 minutes. This method cooks the stew quickly while keeping it flavorful. Rustic beef barley stew is a hearty dish that's easy to make. We covered main ingredients like beef, barley, and vegetables. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking, tips to boost flavor, and variations to try. Storing and reheating leftovers safely helps you enjoy this stew later. In the end, this stew is warm, comforting, and great for any season. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and dig in. You’ll be glad you did.

Rustic Beef Barley Stew Slow Cooker

Warm up your dinner table with this delicious Rustic Beef Barley Stew! Packed with tender beef, hearty pearl barley, and a medley of veggies, this dish is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for slow-cooking, it simmers to perfection, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully. Ready to create a cozy meal? Click to explore the full recipe and delight your family with every warm bowl served!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1.5 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 cup pearl barley

4 cups beef broth

2 medium carrots, diced

2 stalks celery, diced

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon tomato paste

2 teaspoons dried thyme

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 bay leaf

Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and sear on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds a rich flavor to the stew.

    Transfer the browned meat into the slow cooker.

      In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.

        Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; cook for another minute until all ingredients are well combined.

          Add the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker along with the pearl barley, beef broth, and bay leaf. Press the ingredients down gently to ensure the barley is submerged in the liquid.

            Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through.

              Before serving, remove the bay leaf and taste the stew, adjusting seasoning if necessary.

                Ladle the hearty stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch.

                  Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes | Servings: 6

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the stew in rustic bowls with a slice of crusty bread on the side to soak up the rich flavors!