I've tried this three times, but I can't get past the barley. Each time the barley gets either burnt or turns to mush. 
The directions say: 
"Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan; add the barley, and cook for approximately 55 to 60 minutes or until tender. Drain off any remaining water, and set cooked barley aside." 
I assume there should be a comment in there about turning down the heat to simmer, right? Are you supposed to keep the barley at a boil for an hour? That didn't make sense to me, so I simmered it for an hour. The first time it cooked too long and got mushy. The second time I let it boil too long and it burned. The third time I thought I had it right, but it was mushy again. 
Has anyone else made this dish? Any barley tips? 

that's basically how I cooked my barley....not for the casserole though, just cooked some up. The only thing I did different was I dry toasted the barley first, then added the water, boiled, and simmered. When it was done there was still some water in the pan so I just drained it in a colander. the barley came out chewey with a slight nutty flavor from toasting....

I think simmering is key. I have had 'issues' with other grains, as well - and someone on one of the other threads suggested that I might have my flame too high. Making that adjustment seemed to help. That said, I have made the barley casserole with both mushy barley and with scorched barley - and both times it was still really, really good! I say go with whatever barley ya got, because the receipe is still completely delicious. Remember, you still bake the casserole in the oven for about 35-minutes, so that helps with the texture ultimately. Good luck!

Hi Hollie - I just made the barley casserole a couple days ago. Turned out great in the end, although there was a nice burnt layer of barley after simmering on low for 50 mins. I just left the burnt bit on the bottom and used the rest. It seemed really dry when combined with the rest of the ingredients, but the time in the oven made it moist and yummy. Good luck, if you try for the fourth time!