Hearty Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Delight

Name: Hearty Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Delight
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 7 h
Total time: 7 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cubed; 1 cup pearl barley; 4 cups beef broth; 2 cups water; 1 onion, chopped; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 stalks celery, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried rosemary; 1 bay leaf; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil

🕒 Prep: 20 min

🔥 Cook: 7 hours

🍽 Serves: 6

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If you're in the mood for a comforting meal that fills the house with mouth-watering aromas, this Hearty Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Delight is just the ticket. With its rich flavors and tender textures, it’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in or a laid-back weekend meal.

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Ingredients for Hearty Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Delight

Beef chuck roast is your go-to for this slow-cooked dish, offering tender, juicy bites after hours of cooking. Pearl barley adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture, soaking up all those delicious juices. Beef broth and water create a rich base, amplifying the flavors of the beef and herbs. Onion, carrots, and celery form the classic mirepoix, adding a natural sweetness and depth. Garlic introduces an aromatic punch, while thyme and rosemary add earthy notes. A single bay leaf infuses a subtle hint of spice. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste, and use olive oil for browning the beef, which adds a layer of flavor.

Tips & Tricks

Browning the beef is crucial; it adds depth and flavor that’s worth the extra step.
If you prefer a thicker stew, remove the lid and let it cook on high for the last 30 minutes.
Leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when needed.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread for dipping. A fresh, simple green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness, offering a refreshing contrast. You could also sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?: Yes, beef brisket or stew meat will also work well in this recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?: Absolutely, just replace the barley with quinoa or rice, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
Can I add other vegetables?: Feel free to toss in mushrooms or potatoes for extra heartiness.

Hearty Slow Cooker Beef and Barley Delight Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating up your skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add your beef cubes. Let them brown on all sides, aiming for a nice crust that locks in flavor. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker, keeping the skillet on the heat.

In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté them until they soften, which should take around 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and give it another minute, just until it's fragrant. Move these veggies over to the slow cooker to join the beef.

Now, it's time to add the pearl barley, beef broth, and water directly into the slow cooker. Sprinkle in the thyme and rosemary, and tuck in the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper, then give everything a good stir to combine. Put the lid on, set your slow cooker to low, and let it work its magic for 6-7 hours.

Before serving, be sure to fish out the bay leaf. Trust me, you don’t want to bite into that! Your beef and barley should be tender, and the broth nicely thickened. Enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Easy to prepare: Just a few simple steps and your slow cooker does the rest.
Deep, satisfying flavors: A perfect blend of herbs and hearty ingredients.
Great for batch cooking: Make it ahead and enjoy throughout the week.
Nourishing and filling: Packed with protein and fiber to keep you satisfied.

Ingredients

2 lbs beef chuck roast, cubed

1 cup pearl barley

4 cups beef broth

2 cups water

1 onion, chopped

2 carrots, sliced

2 stalks celery, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp dried rosemary

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides.

2. Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker.

3. In the same skillet, add onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing until softened. Add garlic and sauté for another minute.

4. Transfer the vegetables to the slow cooker.

5. Add barley, beef broth, water, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.

6. Stir to combine all ingredients.

7. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until beef and barley are tender.

8. Remove bay leaf before serving.

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