Almost-A-Meal Casserole
Almost-A-Meal Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and a cheesy topping. With its savory flavors and satisfying textures, it's perfect for busy families looking for a filling meal that can be prepared in advance and enjoyed any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 28 oz can tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp salt ⓘ
- 2 cups potatoes, diced ⓘ
- 1/3 cup all purpose flour ⓘ
- 10 oz frozen corn, thawed ⓘ
- 10 oz frozen lima beans, thawed ⓘ
- 1 large bell pepper, cut in strips ⓘ
- 1-1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded ⓘ
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine browned and drained beef, onion, and tomatoes with liquid, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Spoon into a greased 3 quart casserole.
- Layer the potatoes, flour, corn, lima beans, and green peppers on top. Cover and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.
- Sprinkle with cheese and continue baking, uncovered, for 30 minutes longer.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier version, consider adding some chopped carrots or celery to the beef mixture. You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. For a creamy twist, mix in a can of cream of mushroom soup with the tomatoes. This dish is reminiscent of American recipes like Corn Bread Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Almost-A-Meal Casserole with a fresh green salad or some crusty bread to balance the flavors. For a comforting side, consider pairing it with Tomato Bisque. This dish is filling on its own, but the addition of a tangy pickle or coleslaw can provide a nice contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings for quicker reheating, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Almost-A-Meal Casserole contains roughly 948 calories, with 26g protein, 143g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (153% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (69% of the Daily Value), and protein (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1827mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day ahead. Assemble all the ingredients, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?
If you prefer a different cheese, mozzarella or Monterey Jack can be great substitutes for cheddar. For a sharper flavor, try using Gruyère or a blend of cheeses. Just keep in mind that the melting properties may vary slightly.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a combination of lentils or black beans. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added texture and flavor. Ensure to use vegetable broth if you choose to add any liquid.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).