Ingredients

  • 1 cup pearl barley or 1 cup whole grain barley
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 15 ounces pinto beans, undrained
  • 2 (6 ounce) cans tuna in water, drained and flaked
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup nonfat milk
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon dill weed
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Method

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
  • Cook the barley. In a medium saucepan, add the barley, water, and salt. cover and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until barley has softened and is edible, but not too soft. (Barley will soften up a little more when it bakes in the oven.).
  • Combine cooked barley with all remaining ingredients, reserving 1/2 cup cheese. Spread in prepared baking pan. Top with remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese. Bake 40 to 50 minutes or until cooked through.
  • Let stand 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
  • Additional ingredients to try: onions, shallots, mushrooms.