Beef Barley Skillet
A hearty skillet dish combining ground meat, vegetables, and tender barley, infused with savory flavors. Perfect for a quick, filling meal for the family.
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon marjoram ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chili sauce or salsa ⓘ
- 2 cups canned tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups water ⓘ
- 3/4 cup barley ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute the ground beef, chopped onion, chopped celery, and chopped green pepper in a skillet.
- Drain off excess fat.
- Stir in the salt, pepper, marjoram, sugar, Worcestershire, chili sauce or salsa, canned tomatoes, water, and barley.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to simmer, cover, and cook until the barley is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the ground beef slightly more before adding vegetables. You can substitute the barley with quinoa or brown rice for a different texture. If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. This dish also works well with leftovers from other beef recipes to enhance its depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Beef Barley Skillet with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. It pairs nicely with a glass of red wine, enhancing the dish's savory flavors. For a complete dinner experience, consider following it with a light dessert or browse more American recipes to complement the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, and warm on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Barley Skillet contains roughly 503 calories, with 28g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (166% of the Daily Value), iron (157% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1898mg per serving (83% 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 in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, and the flavor will be a bit different. For a heartier taste, you might also try using diced beef instead of ground meat.
What if I don't have chili sauce or salsa?
If you don't have chili sauce or salsa, you can create a similar flavor by mixing tomato paste with a bit of vinegar and some spices, like cumin or chili powder. Alternatively, some diced tomatoes with added spices can work in a pinch.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute like tempeh or textured vegetable protein. Use vegetable broth instead of water, and ensure all other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly for a delicious meatless option.
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).