Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Beef and Barley Stew
A cozy, hearty stew made with only four simple ingredients. The slow cooker does all the work, turning inexpensive ingredients into a rich, comforting meal perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
1½ lbs beef stew meat (cut into bite-size chunks)
1 cup pearl barley (uncooked)
3 cups carrots, peeled and sliced
6 cups beef broth
Optional for serving: salt, black pepper, crusty bread or dinner rolls.
Instructions
Add ingredients to the slow cooker
Place the beef stew meat, pearl barley, and sliced carrots into the slow cooker.
Pour in the broth
Add the beef broth, making sure the ingredients are mostly submerged.
Slow cook
Cook on LOW for 7–8 hours, or
HIGH for 4–5 hours.
The beef should become tender and the barley soft and slightly thickened.
Stir and taste
Give the stew a good stir. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed.
Serve
Ladle the hot stew into bowls and serve with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping.
Serving Ideas
Pair with a simple green salad with vinaigrette for freshness.
Add roasted green beans or steamed peas on the side.
For a bigger meal, spoon the stew over mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles.
Tips
Brown the beef first (optional): Searing it in a pan for 3–4 minutes before adding it to the slow cooker gives deeper flavor.
Thicker stew: If you prefer it thicker, cook uncovered for the last 20–30 minutes.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. The flavor gets even better the next day.
