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Rustic Beef & Barley Stew: A Hearty Comfort Dish

Thick beef and barley stew in a crockpot, featuring vibrant carrots and tender meat chunks.

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Thick beef and barley stew in a crockpot, featuring vibrant carrots and tender meat chunks.

Rustic Beef & Barley Stew is the epitome of comfort food, an inviting dish that warms the soul and pleases the palate. This stew is rich with tender beef chunks, vibrant carrots, and wholesome barley, creating a satisfying meal that offers depth in flavor and texture. Perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is designed for the crockpot, allowing the ingredients to meld together beautifully over time. With minimal prep work, you can set your slow cooker and enjoy a fragrant home-cooked meal later in the day.

This stew draws inspiration from traditional hearty dishes found across various cultures, emphasizing the use of simple, nourishing ingredients. Beef and barley have long been favored in recipes for their complementary flavors and together create a filling dish suited for chilly weather. The addition of carrots and onions not only enhances the taste but also provides essential vitamins, making this dish both comforting and nutritious. Originating from ancient cooking methods where stews were slowly simmered over fires, this recipe modernizes the concept by utilizing a crockpot for easy preparation.

Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, preparing for a family get-together, or simply looking for a weeknight meal that requires minimal effort, this Rustic Beef & Barley Stew is the perfect choice. It can be served as a standalone dish or accompanied by crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. This recipe is versatile and can also be made ahead of time, making it a great option for busy individuals or those wanting to enjoy a wholesome meal with family. No matter the occasion, this stew is sure to satisfy and bring people together around the dinner table.

Thick beef and barley stew in a crockpot, featuring vibrant carrots and tender meat chunks.

Rustic Beef & Barley Stew: A Hearty Comfort Dish

Recipe by Tracy Turner

Difficulty

Beginner

Servings

6

Prep time

15

Cooking time

480

Ingredients

  • 1 kg beef chunks
  • 2 cups carrots, sliced
  • 1 cup barley
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional herbs (e.g., rosemary, thyme)

Instructions

  1. Gather all the ingredients needed for the stew.
  2. In a skillet, brown the beef chunks on medium heat until they are sealed on all sides.
  3. Add the browned beef, carrots, onions, and barley to the crockpot.
  4. Pour in the broth, ensuring all ingredients are submerged.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs for flavor.
  6. Cover and set the crockpot to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  7. Check for tenderness of the beef and barley before serving.
  8. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

350

Carbs

30

Protein

30

Fats

15