Beef Manana Dinner
A hearty beef and vegetable casserole topped with mashed potatoes, featuring rich tomato flavors and a hint of chili spice, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can condensed tomato soup ⓘ
- 2 to 3 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 3 to 4 c. mashed potatoes ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook and stir ground beef, onion, celery, and green bell pepper over medium heat until vegetables are tender.
- Drain off grease.
- Stir in condensed tomato soup, tomato sauce, minced garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare mashed potatoes separately.
- Spread mashed potatoes over the beef mixture in a baking dish.
- Bake until heated through and slightly browned on top, about 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture. If you're short on time, pre-packaged mashed potatoes can be a quick substitute. You can also swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option, similar to recipes like Mr. Kenney'S Chili. Adjust the chili powder based on your spice preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Beef Manana Dinner with a side of cornbread or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Baked Brown Rice for added texture. For a comforting touch, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to retain moisture, heating at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through. This dish is also freezer-friendly; just thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Manana Dinner contains roughly 1555 calories, with 31g protein, 201g carbohydrates, and 71g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (198% of the Daily Value), potassium (103% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (78% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2509mg per serving (109% 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! You can customize this dish by adding or substituting vegetables like diced carrots, corn, or even spinach. Just ensure that the vegetables are chopped evenly so they cook through in the same time as the other ingredients.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or a mixture of lentils and black beans. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and ensure the soups are vegetarian-friendly for a delicious meatless option.
What type of cheese works best for topping?
While shredded Cheddar cheese is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a spicy twist. For a richer flavor, consider using a blend of cheeses or adding crumbled feta or goat cheese for a unique touch.
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).