Beef Barley Stew (or will it be soup?) ~ Come & Get It!

   

I got my daily recipe email today and of course it was chock full of Soup & Stew Supper recipes. My coworker was looking over my shoulder and we both are like "I'm SOOO hungry"!


I just finished putting a Beef Barley Stew in the crockpot for tomorrow afternoon (I work evenings). I always make up a main dish and cook it in the crockpot overnight so I can have it either to take to work or eat before I leave for work. The only thing I didn't add to this recipe was the mushrooms & barley. I have some but I'm afraid they'll get really soggy if I cook them overnight. Hopefully I'll wake up around 10'ish and can throw in about a cup of chopped up fresh ones.

At the beginning ~ Yum!

I have a smaller crockpot so if the amounts look off to you I usually cut back on the meat and use the usual amount of veggies. I had a really hard time choosing between these two recipes: Beef Stew and Beef & Barley Soup. The decider was which I had the most ingredients for (and could fudge easily). Also, you'll see the recipe is much different from the one on the link above - I use a lot of organic, convenience type canned goods (like tomatoes) for ease and I can keep them on hand for when I feel well enough & have the energy to cook.


Come to think about it ~ I wonder if I have barley? hmm...

Beef Barley Stew
1 1/2 Beef Stew Meat (I use extra lean, trimmed)
1/3 c flour
2 T olive oil
Dredge the meat in the flour, pepper to taste and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme and dried parsley.


Warm up the skillet, add 1-2 Tablespoons olive oil and then add the meat. Brown the meat for up to 5 minutes, turning occasionally.


1 onion, chopped (I use prechopped frozen ones)
2 potatoes, chopped into 3/4-1" pieces
1/2 bag of baby carrots, chop larger ones in 1/2 (about 1 cup chopped carrots)


Mix the veggies and meat in your crock pot. Add 1 can chicken broth (fat free or regular), 1 can chopped/diced tomatoes (I use the seasoned - basil, garlic and oregano). Mix all together.


Add an hour or two before done:
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup medium All-natural pearled barley (Quaker Oats)


Put crock pot on high for about 5-6 hours or low for 10-12 hours.


I'll be serving this with the banana bread that I made last night when I got home from work. Here's the recipe from one of my other blogs.


Thanks for stopping by from the Recipe Hop. Be sure to come back on Fridays (or anytime on the weekend) when I host the Count Your Blessing Blog Hop (link up all kinds of things like crafts, recipes, artwork (family friendly) and share your Fall & Winter Activities too. There is also a separate Giveaway Linky that you won't want to miss. ** Dinner's on - go outside and play now! **


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