Erma'S Beef 'N Barley(In Honor Of Erma Schluter)
A hearty beef and barley casserole with savory mushroom flavors, seasoned with paprika and Worcestershire sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute in a skillet butter, chopped onions, and pearl barley until browned.
- Add 2 cups water; cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add mushroom soup, canned mushrooms, salt, diced pimento, Worcestershire sauce, and 2 more cups of water to the mixture.
- Cut steak into 1-inch cubes or strips.
- Mix bread crumbs, sesame seeds, salt, and paprika together.
- Roll steak pieces in the bread crumb mixture.
- Brown the coated steak in shortening.
- Add the browned steak to the barley mixture.
- Pour everything into a 3-quart casserole and cover.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F for 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try adding garlic or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the sautéed onions and barley. You can substitute the pearl barley with quinoa or farro for a different texture. If you prefer a creamier dish, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the mushroom soup mixture before baking. This dish is also great for batch cooking, as it freezes well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a side of crusty bread or a light salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine for a comforting dinner. Consider serving it alongside a vegetable dish like steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts to add freshness to the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out. This dish can also be frozen for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Erma'S Beef 'N Barley(In Honor Of Erma Schluter) contains roughly 783 calories, with 18g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (35% of the Daily Value) and vitamin D (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1595mg per serving (69% 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?
For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and increase the vegetables or add beans for protein.
What can I serve with Erma's Beef 'N Barley?
A side of mashed potatoes or creamy polenta can also complement the flavors well.
Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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).