Beef, Bean And Barley Stew
A hearty beef, bean, and barley stew featuring tender beef, creamy cannellini beans, and hearty potatoes, infused with paprika and savory flavors, perfect for comforting meals.
Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. beef chuck stew meat, cubed
- 1/3 cup barley (not quick cooking) ⓘ
- 2 cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed ⓘ
- 1 (14.5 oz.) can beef broth ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Hungarian or regular paprika ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Place the quartered potatoes in an even layer in the bottom of a 5 to 5 1/2-quart slow-cooker pot.
- Layer the minced garlic over the potatoes, then add the chopped onion, beef cubes, barley, and cannellini beans on top.
- In a small bowl, stir together the beef broth, water, ketchup, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well blended and smooth.
- Pour the ketchup mixture over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high for 6 hours or on low for 9 to 10 hours until the meat, potatoes, and barley are tender and the stew is thickened.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider browning the beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. If you don’t have barley, you can substitute with quinoa or farro for a different texture. For spiciness, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. This stew can also be enriched with additional vegetables like carrots or celery, which would complement the existing ingredients well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beef, bean, and barley stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. A side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast. This hearty dish also pairs beautifully with Tampa's Slaw, adding a nice crunch to the meal. For those who enjoy a little spice, consider serving with a dollop of hot sauce on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the stew has thickened too much. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a covered bowl, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef, Bean And Barley Stew contains roughly 834 calories, with 15g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value), potassium (36% of the Daily Value), and protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 986mg per serving (43% 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, such as brisket or round, though cooking times may vary. Alternatively, for a leaner option, try using turkey or chicken, adjusting cooking times accordingly. Just ensure the meat is cubed and able to withstand the long cooking time for optimal tenderness.
Is it possible to make this stew in advance?
Absolutely! This stew can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will develop even more as it sits. Just reheat gently before serving. It also freezes well, so you can portion it out and save some for a quick meal later on.
What can I do if the stew is too thick?
If your stew turns out thicker than desired, simply stir in some additional beef broth or water until you reach your preferred consistency. Adding a few more beans or vegetables can also help balance the thickness while enhancing the flavor.
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).