Ham and Barley Bake

Warm, wholesome, and packed with flavor, this Ham and Barley Bake is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Combining tender diced ham, nutty pearl barley, and a medley of hearty vegetables like onion, carrots, and celery, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a one-pan sensation. Simmered in rich, low-sodium chicken broth and finished with melted Parmesan cheese, it’s a savory and satisfying option that’s ideal for meal prep or feeding a crowd. Fresh thyme and parsley add a fragrant, herbaceous touch, while the chewy barley lends texture and depth to every bite. Ready in just over an hour, this oven-baked casserole delivers on flavor and nutrition, all in one skillet. Perfect for anyone craving a hearty, protein-packed dinner with minimal cleanup!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked pearl barley
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked ham, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

In a large ovenproof skillet or casserole dish, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the uncooked pearl barley to the skillet and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 6

Pour in the chicken broth and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Step 7

Add the diced ham, frozen peas, chopped thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil.

Step 9

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the barley is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 10

Remove the skillet from the oven and uncover. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Step 11

Return the skillet to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.

Step 12

Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Serve warm and enjoy this hearty Ham and Barley Bake!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2125.7 grams (2125.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2166

Total Fat 73.00g	94%
Saturated Fat 23.20g	116%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 315mg	105%
Sodium 8371mg	364%
Total Carbohydrate 222.70g	81%
Dietary Fiber 49.20g	176%
Total Sugars 36.40g
Protein 160.20g	320%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 749mg	58%
Iron 12mg	66%
Potassium 3464mg	74%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 30.0%

Protein: 29.3%

Carbs: 40.7%