Barley And Mushroom Bake
A hearty, savory bake combining tender mushrooms and onions with nutty barley, seasoned with herbs and flavors that appeal to vegetarians and comfort food lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add olive oil to a large skillet and heat.
- Saute onions and sliced mushrooms until tender.
- Add uncooked barley and saute for 4 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Pour the mixture into a 1 1/2-quart baking dish sprayed with vegetable cooking spray.
- Add hot water, beef-flavored bouillon cakes, and pepper to the dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Gently stir in parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or thyme when sautéing the onions and mushrooms. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for the beef-flavored bouillon cakes. You can also experiment with different types of mushrooms, like shiitake or cremini, for added depth. This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it a great choice for meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the barley and mushroom bake alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine for a cozy dinner. For a heartier option, consider serving it with slices of crusty bread to soak up the delicious flavors. This dish also works well as a side to beef recipes like the Boneless Beef Chuck Pot Roast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the barley and mushroom bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water to prevent it from drying out during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barley And Mushroom Bake contains roughly 340 calories, with 10g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (98% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just cover it tightly to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).