Au Gratin Beef Bake
A hearty baked dish combining seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, and creamy au gratin potatoes, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook beef, chopped onion, chopped celery, and chopped green pepper until the meat is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender; drain.
- In a greased 2 1/2-quart baking dish, combine the cooked beef mixture, potatoes with contents of the sauce mix, condensed tomato soup, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Stir in water and milk to the mixture.
- Bake uncovered at 350° to 375°F for 45 to 50 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing minced garlic with the vegetables. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer a creamier texture, add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the mixture before baking. For a twist, try adding some cooked corn or black beans to incorporate more vegetables, similar to what you might find in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Au Gratin Beef Bake with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For extra crunch, pair it with garlic bread or biscuits. This dish also goes well with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. It complements well with the flavors found in Beef And Peppers In Crock-Pot.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave in individual portions until hot. This dish can also be frozen for up to three months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Au Gratin Beef Bake contains roughly 322 calories, with 15g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value) and protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 631mg per serving (27% 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 different vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand. Zucchini, mushrooms, or even spinach would work well. Just ensure they are chopped into small pieces so they cook evenly along with the beef.
Is it necessary to drain the beef after cooking?
Yes, draining the beef helps remove excess fat, which can make the dish greasy. It allows the flavors of the other ingredients to shine through without being overwhelmed by the fat. For a leaner option, choose a lower-fat ground beef or turkey.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. This makes it a great option for meal prep. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold, and make sure it’s heated through to a safe temperature.
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).