Busy Day Bake
A hearty and flavorful liver stir-fry with vegetables, simmered in a tomato-based gravy, perfect for a satisfying family dinner on a busy day.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Season the sliced liver with salt and black pepper, then coat with flour.
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat and quickly brown the liver about 1 minute on each side.
- Place the browned liver in a greased baking dish.
- Add chopped celery, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and chopped tomatoes to the dish.
- Cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Remove the cover and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to thicken the gravy.
- Serve the dish hot over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the liver in a mixture of vinegar and spices for 30 minutes before cooking. You can substitute beef liver with chicken liver for a milder taste. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, try using hearty mushrooms instead of liver. Adjust the vegetables based on what's in season or what you have on hand to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is wonderful served over cooked rice, which soaks up the flavorful gravy. For a complete meal, pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables. You might also enjoy it alongside crusty bread to mop up the sauce. It pairs beautifully with a light white wine or iced tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place the dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the texture. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Busy Day Bake contains roughly 1386 calories, with 9g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 136g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value), and iron (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1241mg per serving (54% 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 frozen liver for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen liver, but make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before preparing. This helps to ensure even cooking and better texture. If using frozen liver, you may need to adjust cooking times slightly.
What can I substitute for fresh tomatoes?
If you don't have fresh tomatoes, you can use canned diced tomatoes as a convenient substitute. Just drain them slightly to avoid excess liquid. Alternatively, tomato sauce or paste can be used, but adjust the quantity to avoid overpowering the dish.
How can I make the dish spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables. You could also serve the dish with hot sauce on the side for those who prefer a kick. Experiment to find your perfect spice level!
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).