Ham and Barley Bake
Warm, wholesome, and packed with flavor, this Ham and Barley Bake is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Combining tender diced ham, nutty pearl barley, and a medley of hearty vegetables like onion, carrots, and celery, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a one-pan sensation. Simmered in rich, low-sodium chicken broth and finished with melted Parmesan cheese, it’s a savory and satisfying option that’s ideal for meal prep or feeding a crowd. Fresh thyme and parsley add a fragrant, herbaceous touch, while the chewy barley lends texture and depth to every bite. Ready in just over an hour, this oven-baked casserole delivers on flavor and nutrition, all in one skillet. Perfect for anyone craving a hearty, protein-packed dinner with minimal cleanup!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked pearl barley
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large ovenproof skillet or casserole dish, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the uncooked pearl barley to the skillet and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Pour in the chicken broth and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Add the diced ham, frozen peas, chopped thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the barley is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Remove the skillet from the oven and uncover. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Return the skillet to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Serve warm and enjoy this hearty Ham and Barley Bake!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2166 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 73.0 g | 94% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.2 g | 116% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 315 mg | 105% | |
| Sodium | 8371 mg | 364% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 222.7 g | 81% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 49.2 g | 176% | |
| Total Sugars | 36.4 g | ||
| Protein | 160.2 g | 320% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 749 mg | 58% | |
| Iron | 11.9 mg | 66% | |
| Potassium | 3464 mg | 74% | |
*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.
