Beef and Barley Skillet

A hearty, rustic one-pan dish featuring savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and nutty barley simmered together in a rich broth.

This hearty beef and barley skillet is a comforting one-pan meal that blends savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and nutty pearl barley in a rich, herb-seasoned broth. The tomato paste adds depth and warmth while thyme, oregano, and smoked paprika create a cozy, rustic flavor profile, and a touch of Parmesan at the end brings a creamy, satisfying finish. It’s a wholesome, filling dish that feels like a classic stew but comes together easily in a skillet.

Servings

4

Prep Time

15-20 minutes

Cook Time

35-40 minutes

Total Time

50-60 minutes

Ingredients

Fresh
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Packaged
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 cup pearl barley (uncooked)
4 cups beef broth
2 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan (optional)

Seasoning
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Pinch crushed red pepper (optional)

Serving
Fresh parsley
Extra Parmesan

Instructions

Brown the Beef & Build the Base
Heat the olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart as it cooks. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Once the beef has browned, add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook until the vegetables soften and begin to absorb the flavor from the beef. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.

Add Tomato Paste & Seasonings
Add the tomato paste and stir it into the mixture, allowing it to cook for about a minute so it caramelizes slightly. Sprinkle in the thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper if using. The skillet should smell rich and aromatic.

Stir in Barley & Broth
Add the uncooked barley and stir until coated in the seasonings and beef drippings. Pour in the beef broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Simmer Until Barley is Tender
Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 25–30 minutes, stirring once or twice. The barley should become tender and the broth mostly absorbed. If the skillet dries out too soon, add a splash more broth or water.

Finish & Serve
Taste and adjust the seasoning. Stir in Parmesan for a creamy finish if desired. Spoon the hearty mixture into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.