Beef Barley Stew(Crock-Pot)
Beef Barley Stew is a hearty, comforting dish packed with tender beef, wholesome vegetables, and nutty pearl barley. Its rich tomato-based broth and savory flavors make it perfect for cold days or family dinners, offering a satisfying and nutritious meal for all ages.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. beef stew meat, cubed ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 qt. water ⓘ
- 15 oz. can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 5 medium carrots, cut in 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 stalk celery, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 c. frozen green beans
- 2 c. frozen corn ⓘ
- 3/4 c. pearl barley ⓘ
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown beef and onion in vegetable oil. Drain.
- Transfer the browned beef and onion to a 5-quart slow cooker.
- Add water, tomato sauce, carrots, celery, salt, oregano, paprika, and pepper to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours.
- Add green beans, corn, and pearl barley to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for an additional 2 hours or until barley, beef, and vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, sear the beef until browned for a richer taste. If you don't have pearl barley, you can substitute it with quinoa or farro. For added nutrition, consider throwing in some chopped kale or spinach in the last hour of cooking. Adjust the seasoning based on your taste; fresh herbs can enhance the dish significantly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty stew with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Cornbread Tamale Pie for a comforting dinner. For a touch of freshness, consider topping it with chopped parsley or a dollop of sour cream. This stew is perfect for family gatherings or as a cozy weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover beef barley stew can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in individual portions until heated through. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Barley Stew(Crock-Pot) contains roughly 784 calories, with 14g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (118% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (76% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (61% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1496mg per serving (65% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this stew?
Yes, you can use other cuts of beef like chuck roast or brisket. Alternatively, for a lighter option, chicken thighs can be substituted, but adjust the cooking time as they tend to cook faster than beef.
What can I add to make this stew thicker?
To thicken the stew, you can create a slurry with cornstarch and water, adding it during the last hour of cooking. Alternatively, you can mash some of the barley to release its starch, which will naturally thicken the stew.
How can I make this stew vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and add more beans such as kidney or black beans. Use vegetable broth instead of water and consider adding some lentils for protein and texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).