Daddy's Barley Casserole

Hearty, wholesome, and brimming with comforting flavors, Daddy's Barley Casserole is a one-dish wonder perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. Made with tender pearl barley, savory ground beef, and a medley of aromatic vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, this casserole is baked to perfection in a rich broth infused with soy sauce, thyme, and oregano. The addition of diced tomatoes brings a subtle tang, while optional garnishes of parmesan cheese and parsley elevate the dish with a pop of flavor and color. Ready in just over an hour, this oven-baked casserole offers a nutritious, filling meal with minimal cleanup, making it a go-to for busy weeknights. Comfort food has never been this easy or delicious!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup pearl barley
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 14-ounce can canned diced tomatoes with their juice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 0.25 cup parmesan cheese, grated (optional for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Rinse the pearl barley in cold water and drain. Set it aside.

Step 3

In a large oven-safe skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 7

Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, beef broth, soy sauce, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.

Step 8

Add the rinsed barley to the skillet and stir to evenly distribute.

Step 9

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then cover the skillet with a lid or foil.

Step 10

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the barley is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 11

Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and stir the casserole. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 12

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 13

Optional: Garnish with grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2223.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2331.0

Total Fat 116.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 46.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.5g
Cholesterol 336.8mg	0%
Sodium 8619.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 195.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 42.1g	0%
Total Sugars 17.5g
Protein 137.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1015.7mg	0%
Iron 16.8mg	0%
Potassium 3582.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.1%

Protein: 23.1%

Carbs: 32.9%