Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a mouthwatering dish that combines the hearty goodness of barley with the bold, zesty flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine! This Tex Mex Barley Bake is not just another recipe – it's a culinary adventure that promises to turn an ordinary weeknight dinner into an extraordinary feast. Packed with protein-rich black beans, sweet corn, and a perfect blend of spices, this one-pan wonder will have your family begging for seconds before they've even finished their first bite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked barley
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's ready for baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of cooked barley, 1 can of drained black beans, 1 cup of corn kernels, and 1 cup of diced tomatoes. Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Add 1 teaspoon of cumin and 1 teaspoon of chili powder to the mixture. These spices will enhance the flavors of your dish. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the ingredients.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This will help the dish cook uniformly.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top of the barley mixture. This will create a delicious cheesy layer as it melts during baking.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden.
- Once done, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the layers set slightly and make it easier to serve.
- Serve the Tex Mex Barley Bake warm, garnished with fresh cilantro or avocado slices if desired. Enjoy your delicious and hearty meal!
Tips
- Barley Prep: Use pre-cooked or leftover barley to save time. For extra flavor, cook the barley in vegetable or chicken broth instead of water.
- Cheese Selection: Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack for extra heat or a Mexican cheese blend for more authentic flavor.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to add protein like shredded chicken or ground turkey to make the dish even more substantial.
- Spice Control: Adjust the cumin and chili powder to your heat preference. For a milder version, reduce the spices; for more kick, add a pinch of cayenne.
- Fresh Toppings: Enhance the dish with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream just before serving.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunch leftovers or make-ahead meals.
- Vegetarian Option: Already vegetarian-friendly, but you can make it vegan by using dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
