Barley Meat
A hearty combination of tender boiled meats and soft barley, sliced and pan-fried for a flavorful, satisfying dish perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the beef pot roast and pork shoulder or chops with salt and chopped or sliced onion in plenty of water. When done, remove the meat from the liquid.
- Add the barley to the boiling liquid and cook until the liquid is absorbed and the barley is soft.
- While the barley is cooking, grind the cooked meats.
- Combine the ground meats with the cooked barley, adding more salt if desired.
- Pack the mixture into ungreased loaf pans. It can be wrapped and frozen or used immediately.
- To serve, slice into 1-inch thick slices.
- Sprinkle the slices with flour and pan-fry, turning once until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or bay leaves to the boiling liquid. If you don't have barley, quinoa or farro can be excellent substitutes. Ensure to adjust the cooking times accordingly. To enhance the dish, experiment with a dash of Worcestershire sauce while mixing the ground meats with barley.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the barley meat with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness. A dollop of sour cream or a tangy sauce can complement the flavors nicely. This dish pairs beautifully with Texas Beans And Rice for a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, wrap the slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, pan-fry the slices directly from the fridge or freezer until warmed through and crispy on the outside.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barley Meat contains roughly 632 calories, with 36g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (72% of the Daily Value), iron (31% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 651mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
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 use other types of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the beef and pork with chicken or turkey for a lighter version. Adjust the cooking times to ensure the meat is fully cooked and tender. Feel free to mix in other meats like lamb for a unique flavor profile.
How do I know when the barley is cooked properly?
The barley is done when it's soft and has absorbed most of the cooking liquid, typically about 30-40 minutes of simmering. It should be chewy but not hard. Taste it periodically to achieve your desired texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the barley meat a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it when ready to serve. This makes it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.
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).