Description
Comforting beef and barley delight delivers rich medieval European flavors in one satisfying bowl. Robust meat, pearl barley, and root vegetables combine for a nourishing meal perfect for cold evenings when you crave substantial warmth.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs (908 g) beef stew meat or soup bones
- 4 cups (480 ml) beef broth
- ¾ cup (150 g) pearled barley
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into ½-inch (1-centimeter) chunks
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tsps (12 g) kosher salt
- 2 tsps ground black pepper
- 2 tsps (6 g) dried parsley
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Meat Preparation: Thoroughly dry beef stew meat using paper towels, then generously season with salt and black pepper. Allow meat to marinate at room temperature for 15-30 minutes, enhancing flavor absorption.
- Searing Stage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown beef pieces methodically, creating a rich golden crust by rotating meat and cooking approximately 3 minutes per side. Complete in batches to maintain optimal heat and prevent overcrowding.
- Slow Cooker Assembly: Transfer caramelized beef into slow cooker, including pan drippings. Add onions, garlic, celery, carrots, dried parsley, thyme, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Season with additional salt and pepper for depth of flavor.
- Cooking Process: Set slow cooker to low heat, allowing ingredients to meld and tenderize for 6-8 hours (or high heat for 4-6 hours). Periodically check liquid levels, supplementing with broth if mixture appears dry or concentrating.
- Barley Integration: Forty minutes before completion, elevate slow cooker temperature to high. Incorporate pearled barley evenly, stirring gently to prevent sticking. Continue cooking until barley becomes tender and plump, creating a rich, hearty texture.
Notes
- Meat Preparation Technique: Pat beef completely dry to achieve perfect golden-brown searing and develop deep, rich caramelized flavors without steaming.
- Batch Searing Strategy: Cook meat in small portions to maintain high skillet temperature, ensuring each piece browns evenly and develops a delicious crust.
- Liquid Management Tip: Watch slow cooker’s moisture levels throughout cooking, adding extra broth if mixture appears too dry to prevent ingredient burning.
- Barley Texture Control: Add barley later in cooking process to prevent overcooking and maintain ideal tender-yet-firm consistency that doesn’t turn mushy.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg