German Beef and Barley Bake
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 large onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 3 cups tomato juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
- 3-4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 tsp caraway seeds
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large saucepan over medium heat, sauté the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent. Drain off any excess grease.
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Add the pearl barley and chopped bacon to the pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the barley is lightly toasted.
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Stir in the tomato juice, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a low boil.
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Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the barley is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
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Stir in the shredded cabbage and caraway seeds, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the cabbage is slightly wilted.
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Transfer the mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
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Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve hot and enjoy this hearty German Beef and Barley Bake!
This casserole is perfect for preparing ahead of time and reheating. Simply refrigerate it, and when ready to reheat, bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes or microwave in a microwave-safe dish on Medium High until heated through. It’s a comforting one-dish meal that combines the flavors of lean ground beef, savory bacon, wholesome barley, and nutritious cabbage, topped with melted cheddar cheese for a satisfying finish. Perfect for any occasion, from weekday dinners to cozy family gatherings!
