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This incredible beef barley stew is a delightful comfort food recipe that is hearty, healthy and satisfying. Most barley stews are simple meat and potato dishes; however, I’ve loaded my recipe with healthy vegetables that add savory flavor.

Plus, I’ll even let you steal my secret ingredient in this beef barley stew recipe!

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Beef Barley Stew Ingredients

Sometimes when I see a recipe with a long list of ingredients, it intimidates me. But I promise the majority of these you’ll have on hand and it is simple to pull together!

• 1 Tbs. Olive oil
• 2 lbs. Chuck roast cut into 1″ cubes
• 1 tsp. Salt
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 1 medium Onion, diced
• 6 Carrots, diced in 1″ chunks
• 2 Stalks celery, diced in 1″ chunks
• 3 Tbs. minced Garlic
• 3 large Yellow potatoes, in 1″ cubes (or baby yellow potatoes cut into fourths)
• 4-5 oz. Mini bella mushrooms, halved
• 1/3 c. Red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp. Kitchen bouquet
• 4 c. low sodium Beef broth
• 1 sprig fresh Rosemary, chopped (or 1/2 tsp. dried)
• 2 sprigs fresh Oregano, chopped (or 1 tsp. dried)
• 3 sprigs fresh Thyme, stripped from the stem (or 1 tsp. dried)
• 2 Bay leaves
• 1 Tbs. Tomato paste
• 16 oz. can Diced tomatoes
• 3/4 c. Pearl barley
• Fresh parsley to garnish

How to Make Beef Barley Stew

Note that this can be made in an Instant Pot using the Sauté and Slow Cook mode. Or you can use a traditional slow cooker.

First, chop your chuck roast, carrots, celery, onion, and potatoes. Since this recipe has a long cook time, make sure not to cut them too small or they will become mushy.

Next, sear your meat.

Add the oil to your Instant pot on sauté mode, or to a frying pan on the stovetop. Coat your beef in salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, sear your beef until browned on all sides.

Remove meat and set aside.

Add onion, celery, and carrots to the frying pan or Instant Pot and cook 2 minutes. Then add garlic and cook 1 minute more, stirring constantly.

If you are using the Instant Pot, switch modes to slow cook and add the seared meat and all remaining ingredients, except the parsley. Stir to combine. Slow cook on low for 7-9 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

If you are using a slow cooker, transfer your seared meat and sautéed veggies to the slow cooker. Add all remaining ingredients to your slow cooker, except the parsley and stir to combine.

Slow cook on low for 7-9 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

Serve with your favorite crusty bread. Browse my artisan sourdough and homemade bread recipes to find a new favorite!

Recipe Notes & Substitutions

This is a very versatile recipe.

You can omit any of the vegetables your family doesn’t prefer. Cut the onion in half, add more garlic, omit the tomatoes altogether, adjust the spices and herbs, and even add 2 cups more beef broth for a soup consistency rather than stew.

That’s my favorite kind of recipe. One where I can still make it if I’m missing a few ingredients. Or, where I can make it suit my family’s taste better.

However, the one thing I would not omit is the secret ingredient: Kitchen Bouquet.

This concentrated seasoning sauce brings a depth of flavor to the stew.

In a pinch, you could substitute equal amounts of Worcestershire Sauce for Kitchen Bouquet. It won’t be quite the same flavor but it would give a little kick to jazz up the beef barley stew.

More Hearty Soups & Stews

Soups and stews are a favorite in our family. They are healthy, filling, and easy to create.

Browse more of my simple soups and stew recipes below, and check out all my favorite recipes here.

Thanks so much for stopping by the blog today!

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~ Sarah