SLOW COOKER BEEF BARLEY STEW

SLOW COOKER BEEF BARLEY STEW 2 cups beef roast, cooked, shredded or diced 1/2 cup barley raw 1 potato diced, large 2-3 ribs celery sliced 1 onion diced 1 carrot sliced. *Use more if you prefer 1/2 cup sauteed mushrooms **optional, can used fresh, or canned as well or just omit. 2 tsp garlic minced 1 tsp salt and pepper **use as desired 1 pkg mushroom gravy mix **can use powdered beef gravy mix as well 6 cups beef broth 1 pinch salt and pepper **Use as desired! 1 tsp thyme dried Saute the beef with the butter over medium high heat until completely warmed through and it has started to slightly caramelize. **This is an optional step. If you want to omit this step, simply skip to step 2. Add all ingredients listed above to the slow cooker bowl. Mix well until everything is well incorporated. Cook on low for 7 - 8 hours or high for 5 - 6. Keep in mind these cooking times are approximate as all slow cookers/crockpots cook at slightly hotter or slower temps. Keep and eye on the stew until around the beginning cooking times and when the barley is cooked through and the carrots and potatoes are tender, the stew is ready to serve.