"Any Night" Casserole
A comforting beef casserole with tender meat, flavorful vegetables, and savory rice, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners with rich, hearty flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the beef in butter.
- Add chopped carrots and celery; cook slowly until nearly tender.
- Stir in the dry onion soup mix and water.
- Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart casserole.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the meat is tender.
- Stir in the small box of Minute rice.
- Cover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using beef broth instead of water. You can also substitute the stew meat with ground beef or turkey for a quicker cooking time. If you want to add more vegetables, peas or green beans work well. To enhance the dish, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or some garlic powder.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but you might consider serving it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top before serving adds a nice touch. It also pairs beautifully with Nate Newton'S Easy Corn Casserole for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Any Night" Casserole contains roughly 736 calories, with 60g protein, 129g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (257% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (219% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1151mg per serving (50% 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 use brown rice instead of Minute rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as brown rice takes longer to cook than Minute rice. You'll need to add more water and possibly bake it longer to ensure it cooks through and absorbs the flavors.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, just increase the baking time slightly since it will be starting cold.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can create a vegetarian version by replacing the stew meat with diced mushrooms or lentils and using vegetable broth instead of water. This will maintain the dish's heartiness while catering to vegetarian recipes.
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).