Hearty Alberta Beef Barley Stew

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Hearty Alberta Beef Barley Stew.

1. Step 1

   To start your delicious beef stew, grab a microwave-safe bowl and heat 2 cups of water until it reaches a rolling boil—this should take about 2 minutes.

2. Step 2

   Once boiling, stir in the beef bouillon cubes and the dry onion soup mix, mixing until everything is fully dissolved and fragrant.

3. Step 3

   Next, pour this savory bouillon mixture into your slow cooker along with an additional 4 cups of water, and set it to High to get things cooking.

4. Step 4

   Now, it’s time to add the star ingredients! Toss in the beef stew meat, along with chopped potatoes, diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic.

5. Step 5

   Give everything a good stir to ensure all those wonderful flavors meld together.

6. Step 6

   Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic for about 4 and a half to 5 hours, or until the potatoes are tender enough to pierce with a fork—this is when the kitchen will start to smell heavenly! After the initial cooking time, stir in the pearl barley and let it simmer for another 30 minutes, allowing the barley to soak up all that rich flavor and become tender.

7. Step 7

   Once everything is cooked to perfection, turn off the slow cooker and remove the lid.

8. Step 8

   Let your stew cool for about 5 minutes; this will help it thicken slightly, making it even more comforting.

9. Step 9

   Now, gather your loved ones, serve up this hearty stew, and enjoy the warmth and satisfaction of a homemade meal that’s sure to bring smiles all around!.