Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Ingredients

2 lbs stew meat

Salt & pepper

8 oz mushrooms, diced

6 carrots, diced

2 tablespoons garlic, minced

1 yellow onion, diced

4 cups beef broth

¼ cup tomato paste

1 tablespoon dijon mustard

1 teaspoon thyme

¾ cup quick cook barley

1 bay leaf

1 tablespoon parsley

1 can cream of golden mushroom soup

1 can water

2 celery stalks, diced

Instructions

Step 1:

In the crock pot mix together broth, tomato paste, mustard, soup, water, and seasonings until well combined

Stir in stew meat

Step 2:

Stir in diced vegetables

Add bay leaf

Step 3:

Cover and cook on low 6 hours, adding barley at the last hour

Serve with crusty bread

Enjoy!

Notes:

Stew Meat: Use beef stew meat for optimal tenderness and flavor. Alternatively, you can cut beef chuck roast into cubes for stewing.

Seasoning: Season the stew meat with salt and pepper before adding it to the crock pot for a well-seasoned base.

Vegetables: Diced mushrooms, carrots, onion, garlic, and celery add flavor, texture, and nutrition to the stew. Ensure uniform size for even cooking.

Liquid Ingredients: A mixture of beef broth, tomato paste, dijon mustard, and cream of golden mushroom soup creates a rich and flavorful base for the stew.

Barley: Quick cook barley is added during the last hour of cooking to provide heartiness and thickness to the stew. Adjust cooking time if using regular barley.

Seasonings: Thyme, bay leaf, and parsley add depth of flavor and aromatic essence to the stew.

Cooking Method: Slow cook the stew on low heat for 6 hours to allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.

Adding Barley: Incorporating barley during the last hour prevents it from becoming too mushy and ensures it retains its texture.

Serving Suggestion: Serve the beef stew hot with crusty bread for a comforting and satisfying meal. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 350 | Protein: 25 grams | Carbohydrates: 30 grams | Fat: 10 grams | Fiber: 5 grams

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of meat for this stew?

Yes, you can use different cuts of beef like chuck or round roast if you can’t find stew meat.

These cuts are suitable for slow cooking and will become tender as they simmer.

Can I substitute barley with another grain or starch?

If you’re not a fan of barley, you can substitute it with other grains like quinoa, rice, or even pasta.

Just be aware that the cooking time might need to be adjusted depending on your choice.

Is it possible to make this stew in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the stovetop or an Instant Pot.

For the stovetop, simmer the stew over low heat for a few hours.

In the Instant Pot, you can use the pressure cooker function for faster cooking.

What can I serve with this beef stew aside from crusty bread?

This stew pairs well with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or a simple green salad.

The choice of side depends on your preference and dietary restrictions.

Can I prepare this stew the night before and then cook it the next day?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the crock pot insert in the refrigerator.

In the morning, simply place the insert into the slow cooker and start it according to the recipe instructions.

Is it essential to add the cream of golden mushroom soup, or can I omit it?

The cream of golden mushroom soup adds a creamy texture and rich flavor to the stew.

If you prefer to omit it, you can use additional beef broth or a different soup, but the flavor and texture will be different.

Can I use a different type of mustard instead of Dijon?

Yes, you can use other types of mustard, but keep in mind that they might impart different flavors.

Whole-grain mustard or spicy brown mustard can be good alternatives.

Is it possible to overcook the stew in the slow cooker?

Slow cookers are designed to be very forgiving, but it’s still possible to overcook the stew.

If you cook it for significantly longer than the recommended time, the meat and vegetables can become overly soft and lose their texture.

So, it’s best to follow the recommended cooking time for best results.