Easy Tasty Barley Casserole

Warm, hearty, and packed with wholesome ingredients, this Easy Tasty Barley Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Featuring nutty pearl barley simmered in savory vegetable broth, this recipe is layered with tender sautéed vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion, plus a burst of flavor from garlic, thyme, and oregano. It’s crowned with a golden, bubbling blend of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese for an irresistible finish. Ready in just an hour with minimal prep, this casserole is a satisfying, one-dish meal that combines high fiber, rich textures, and a cheesy topping. Perfect for vegetarians and easily customizable, it’s a cozy yet nutritious dish that the whole family will adore!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup pearl barley
• 2.5 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 medium celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x9-inch casserole dish.

Step 2

Rinse the pearl barley under cold water to remove any excess starch and drain well.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the pearl barley, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the barley is tender but not fully cooked. Drain any excess liquid if necessary.

Step 4

While the barley cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 5

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.

Step 6

Stir in the minced garlic, diced tomatoes, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 7

Transfer the partially cooked barley to the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 8

Top the barley with the sautéed vegetable mixture, spreading it out in an even layer.

Step 9

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole.

Step 10

Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Step 11

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Step 12

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 13

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1304.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1058.5

Total Fat 65.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 21.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.5g
Cholesterol 85.1mg	0%
Sodium 5010.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 75.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.2g	0%
Total Sugars 28.2g
Protein 43.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1084.3mg	0%
Iron 5.9mg	0%
Potassium 2375.4mg	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: 55.2%

Protein: 16.5%

Carbs: 28.3%