Roman Soldier Casserole

Transport your taste buds back to ancient Rome with the hearty and flavorful Roman Soldier Casserole. This rustic, oven-baked dish combines tender ground beef, nutrient-packed lentils, and chewy pearl barley, all simmered in a savory medley of chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Aromatic herbs like oregano and thyme infuse a timeless depth of flavor, while sautéed vegetables—onions, garlic, carrots, and celery—create a comforting base. Perfectly balanced between wholesome and indulgent, this casserole is finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese for a rich, satisfying touch. Ready in just over an hour, it's the perfect one-pot dinner for feeding a crowd while channeling classic Mediterranean comfort. A must-try for fans of hearty casseroles and ancient culinary inspiration!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium, diced onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 2 medium, peeled and diced carrots
• 2 medium, diced celery stalks
• 500 grams ground beef
• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (400 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste) salt
• 0.5 teaspoon (adjust to taste) black pepper
• 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh parsley
• 0.5 cup (optional, for serving) grated parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

In a large oven-safe pot or casserole dish, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

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

Step 4

Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.

Step 5

Stir in the cooked lentils and pearl barley, mixing them well with the beef and vegetables.

Step 6

Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Add the bay leaves, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper to the mixture. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.

Step 8

Once simmering, cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.

Step 9

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the casserole is bubbling.

Step 10

Remove the pot from the oven and discard the bay leaves.

Step 11

Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the casserole for freshness.

Step 12

Serve hot, optionally topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2881.7 grams (2881.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2939

Total Fat 148.30g	190%
Saturated Fat 51.10g	256%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.10g
Cholesterol 394mg	131%
Sodium 5579mg	243%
Total Carbohydrate 264.60g	96%
Dietary Fiber 66.90g	239%
Total Sugars 40.40g
Protein 158.60g	317%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1027mg	79%
Iron 28mg	153%
Potassium 5977mg	127%

*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: 44.1%

Protein: 21.0%

Carbs: 35.0%