Alberta Beef Barley Stew

A hearty beef and barley concoction that is sure to warm the heart and soul on the coolest of days. This dish uses ingredients that you can find in most kitchens. Combine them in your slow cooker and in a short while, voila! Your family will be asking for seconds.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 5 hr
• Total Time: 5 hr 20 mins
• Calories: 374 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 (1 ounce) package dry onion soup mix
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 ½ cups pearl barley
• ½ large onion, diced
• 2 beef bouillon cubes
• 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 6 cups hot water, divided
• 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat 2 cups water to boiling in a microwave-safe bowl, about 2 minutes. Stir beef bouillon cubes and onion soup mix into boiling water until dissolved.

Step 2

Pour bouillon mixture and remaining 4 cups water into a slow cooker; set cooker on High. Stir beef, potatoes, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic into the slow cooker.

Step 3

Cook, covered, until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, 4 1/2 to 5 hours. Stir barley into beef mixture; continue cooking until barley is tender, about 30 minutes.

Step 4

Turn slow cooker off, remove cover, and allow to cool until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.