Beef Barley Skillet

Name: Beef Barley Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings.
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean); 1 small onion, chopped; 1/4 cup chopped celery; 1/4 cup chopped green pepper; 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained; 1-1/2 cups water; 3/4 cup quick-cooking barley; 1/2 cup chili sauce; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram; 1/8 teaspoon pepper; Chopped parsley, optional

This versatile dish goes together fast since it's made with quick-cooking barley. You can make it with ground turkey or chicken, and any color bell pepper that you have on hand. —Irene Tetreault, South Hadley, Massachusetts

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 small onion, chopped
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1-1/2 cups water
3/4 cup quick-cooking barley
1/2 cup chili sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Chopped parsley, optional

Directions

In a large skillet, cook beef, onion, celery and green pepper over medium-high heat until beef is no longer pink and vegetables are tender, breaking up beef into crumbles, 5-7 minutes; drain. Stir in remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, until barley is tender, 5-10 minutes. If desired, top with chopped parsley.

Test Kitchen tips

This dish goes together fast and is really versatile. It can be made with ground turkey or chicken, or stir in leftover cooked meat toward the end of cooking.

The texture is thick and hearty. If you want it more stew-like, add another can of diced tomatoes.

Nutrition Facts

1-1/2 cups: 362 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 707mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 8g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.