Heartwarming Beef Mushroom Barley Stew
This Heartwarming Beef Mushroom Barley Stew is the ultimate comfort food – rich, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. Slow-cooked to perfection, the tender chunks of beef chuck meld beautifully with earthy mushrooms and chewy pearl barley, creating a dish that's perfect for cozy evenings. This recipe is easy to prepare and allows you to come home to a warm bowl of soup after a long day. Perfect for family gatherings or meal prep, this stew truly shines as a wholesome and fulfilling meal you can share with your loved ones.
4-6 servings
Servings
240
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Beef Chuck
2 lbs (cubed)
Beef Base
4 teaspoons
Frozen Chopped Onions
12 ounces
Tomato Sauce
8 ounces (canned)
Mushrooms
8 ounces (sliced)
Pearl Barley
3/4 cup
Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Water
5 cups
Instructions
1
In a slow cooker, combine the beef chuck, beef base, frozen chopped onions, tomato sauce, sliced mushrooms, pearl barley, black pepper, and water.
2
Stir the ingredients together until well mixed.
3
Cover the slow cooker with a lid and set it to cook on the low setting for 5 to 6 hours, or until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through.
4
Once cooking is complete, give the stew a good stir and taste it, adjusting the seasoning if necessary.
5
Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of your homemade stew!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
30g
Carbs
24g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heartwarming Beef Mushroom Barley Stew?
It is a rich and hearty comfort dish made with beef chuck, mushrooms, and pearl barley, slow-cooked to create a satisfying and wholesome meal.
What cut of beef is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of beef chuck, which should be cubed for the best results in the slow cooker.
How long does this stew need to cook?
The stew should be cooked in a slow cooker on the low setting for 5 to 6 hours.
What type of barley is used in this stew?
This recipe uses 3/4 cup of pearl barley, known for its chewy texture and ability to thicken the broth.
Can I use fresh onions instead of frozen?
Yes, you can substitute the 12 ounces of frozen chopped onions with approximately 1.5 to 2 cups of fresh chopped onions.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 4 to 6 servings.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 240 calories, 10g of fat, 30g of carbohydrates, and 24g of protein.
Do I need to brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker?
The instructions do not require browning the beef; you simply combine the cubed beef chuck with the other ingredients and start cooking.
What role does the tomato sauce play?
The 8 ounces of canned tomato sauce provides a savory base and depth of flavor to the stew's broth.
How much water is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 5 cups of water to properly cook the beef and barley.
What kind of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms, which add an earthy flavor to the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep as the flavors often deepen after sitting and it can be easily reheated.
Can I substitute the beef base?
Yes, you can use beef bouillon cubes or concentrated liquid beef stock as a replacement for the 4 teaspoons of beef base.
What is the first step in preparing the stew?
The first step is to combine the beef, beef base, onions, tomato sauce, mushrooms, barley, pepper, and water in the slow cooker.
Should I stir the stew during the cooking process?
While not strictly necessary during the slow cooking phase, you should stir it well once the cooking is complete before serving.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, the instructions suggest tasting the stew after cooking and adjusting the seasoning, such as salt and pepper, if necessary.
Is this a good dish for cold weather?
Absolutely, it is described as the ultimate comfort food for cozy evenings and cold weather.
How much black pepper is included?
The recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper for seasoning.
Can this stew be frozen?
Yes, beef and barley stew freezes well; just ensure it is completely cooled before storing in airtight containers.
How do I know when the beef is ready?
The beef is ready when it is tender and can be easily pierced with a fork after the 5 to 6 hour cooking time.
Is the barley supposed to be chewy?
Yes, pearl barley is naturally chewy and should be cooked through until it is soft but still has some bite.
What category of food does this fall into?
This dish is categorized as both a soup and a stew.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
While the recipe focuses on mushrooms and onions, you could easily add carrots or celery for extra nutrition.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
While the specific fiber count is not listed in the raw data, barley is a known high-fiber grain.
What size should the beef chunks be?
The beef chuck should be cubed into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easier eating.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this recipe.
Can I use beef broth instead of water and base?
Yes, you can replace the 5 cups of water and 4 teaspoons of beef base with 5 cups of high-quality beef broth.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is very easy as it involves mostly combining ingredients and letting the slow cooker do the work.
What makes this stew 'hearty'?
The combination of protein-rich beef and fiber-rich barley makes this a very filling and substantial meal.
How should I serve the stew?
Serve the stew hot, perhaps with a side of crusty bread for a complete comforting experience.