Barley Chili Recipe

Warm up on a chilly evening with this hearty and flavorful barley chili! Packed with tender beef, wholesome barley, and a rich blend of spices, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, it's the ultimate comfort food.

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 80 mins
Calories 385.9 kcal
Protein 56g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
Barley Chili

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Barley Chili

  • Lean Ground Beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • All Purpose Flour
  • Water
  • Pearl Barley
  • Tomato Sauce
  • Beef Bouillon Granules
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • Ground Cumin
  • Salt
  • Dried Oregano

How to Make Barley Chili

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown 1 lb ground beef and 1 medium chopped onion over medium-high heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Stir in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  3. Add 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans (drained and rinsed), 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans (drained and rinsed), 1 cup beef broth, 1 cup barley, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional), and salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, or until the barley is tender and the flavors have melded. Stir occasionally.
  5. Before serving, taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

29 g

Sugar

18g

Fat

23g

Carbs

13g