Comforting Barley & Pumpkin Beef Stew

Directions

1. In a shallow dish, mix flour, cornstarch, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Add beef, a few pieces at a time, and toss to coat. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat; brown meat in batches. Transfer meat to a 5- or 6-qt. slow cooker; leave drippings in the pan. In the same skillet, cook and stir onion in pan drippings until tender, 6-8 minutes; add to slow cooker. Stir in broth, pumpkin, barley, thyme, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and remaining salt and pepper. Cook, covered, on low until meat is tender, 6-8 hours. If desired, serve with additional red pepper flakes and parsley.