Ingredients
1 1/2 lb. beef chuck, cut into 2" pieces
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, cut into half moons
2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
8 oz. cremini mushrooms, cut into 1/4" slices
1/4 c. pearled barley
1 qt. low-sodium chicken stock
1 tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce
Preparation
Step 1In a large mixing bowl, pat beef dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.Step 2Preheat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat. Drizzle with olive oil and sear meat on all sides until golden brown with a crust, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer meat to the slow cooker. Reduce heat to medium and add garlic, onions, carrots and thyme and season with salt and pepper. Scrape the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen all browned meat bits and cook 3 to 4 minutes. If needed, add a splash of water to fully deglaze the pan; transfer to slow cooker.Step 3Add mushrooms, barley, stock and soy sauce; cook on low for 8 hours. Meat should be very tender.Step 4Serve immediately.
