Delicious Barley Casserole

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Warm, wholesome, and packed with hearty flavor, this Delicious Barley Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Featuring nutrient-rich pearl barley simmered to perfection with a medley of vegetables like carrots, celery, mushrooms, and spinach, this dish is infused with aromatic herbs like thyme and rosemary for a rustic touch. A splash of canned tomatoes adds a subtle tang, while the option to top it off with melty Parmesan cheese creates a satisfying finish. Baked to golden perfection in just under an hour, this one-pan wonder is as nutritious as it is satisfying. Perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner, this vegetarian-friendly recipe is easily customizable and brimming with nutrients and comforting flavors. Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright, herby note and serve it with a side salad or crusty bread for an unforgettable meal.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 20 min
• Cook Time: 50 min
• Total Time: 1 hr 10 min
• Servings: 6 servings
• Difficulty: Medium

🥘 Ingredients

16 items

• 1 cup pearl barley
• 2.5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 14-ounce can canned diced tomatoes
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

📝 Instructions

13 steps

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Rinse the pearl barley under cold water and set aside.

3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

4. Stir in the minced garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook for another 5 minutes.

5. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes until they begin to soften.

6. Mix in the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the vegetables with the seasonings.

7. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices) and stir well.

8. Add the rinsed barley to the skillet, followed by the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.

9. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish and cover with aluminum foil.

10. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Check the barley for doneness and ensure most of the liquid has been absorbed.

11. Remove the casserole from the oven and stir in the fresh spinach. If desired, sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese.

12. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese melts and the dish is heated through.

13. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving (2113.6g)

Calories		1246
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		64.5 g	83%
	Saturated Fat	21.0 g	105%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	3.4 g
Cholesterol		81 mg	27%
Sodium		5166 mg	225%
Total Carbohydrate		121.2 g	44%
	Dietary Fiber	29.9 g	107%
	Total Sugars	33.9 g
Protein		57.7 g	115%
Vitamin D		1.3 mcg	7%
Calcium		1334 mg	103%
Iron		11.0 mg	61%
Potassium		3918 mg	83%

*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: 580 cal (44.8%%)

Protein: 230 cal (17.8%%)

Carbs: 484 cal (37.4%%)