Beef And Barley Mulligan
A hearty and comforting beef and barley stew with rich tomato and savory flavors, perfect for family dinners. The tender ground beef, wholesome barley, and flavorful seasonings make it a satisfying meal that pairs well with fresh salad and bread, ideal for those craving a filling, easy-to-make dish.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can diced tomato with liquid ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can condensed beef broth (undiluted) ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 3/4 cup pearl barley (medium picked over) ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon vinegar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef with chopped onion and chopped green pepper until the meat is browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir in the diced tomato with liquid, beef broth, water, pearl barley, brown sugar, vinegar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about an hour or until the barley is tender, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a bay leaf during simmering. If you don’t have pearl barley, you can substitute with quinoa or brown rice, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. For a heartier version, add chopped carrots or celery. This dish can also be made with ground turkey for a lighter option, making it a versatile addition to your collection of beef recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Beef and Barley Mulligan hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli. This hearty stew is perfect for chilly evenings and is reminiscent of comforting dishes like Rainy Day Vegetable Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it appears dry. Stir occasionally until heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze portions for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef And Barley Mulligan contains roughly 474 calories, with 6g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (158% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2179mg per serving (95% 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 a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the lean ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If using tougher cuts of beef, consider cooking them longer to ensure tenderness. Just adjust the cooking time based on the meat you choose.
What can I add to make this dish more flavorful?
For extra flavor, try adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of red wine during cooking. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also enhance the taste. Consider including vegetables such as carrots or peas for added nutrition and texture.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Beef and Barley Mulligan is perfect for meal prep. It stores well and the flavors deepen over time. Prepare a large batch and portion into containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just remember to adjust your reheating time to ensure it's heated evenly.
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).