Busy Day Meal
A hearty, quick-to-make casserole featuring seasoned hamburger balls, tomato soup, green beans, and flaky biscuits, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger and chopped onions in a skillet.
- Form the cooked hamburger and onions into walnut-sized balls.
- Pour the tomato soup, string beans, and their juice over the meatballs in the skillet.
- Cook until the hamburger is fully done and heated through.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish.
- Place biscuits on top of the casserole.
- Bake in the oven until the biscuits are golden and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding garlic or herbs like thyme to the hamburger and onion mixture. If you don't have string beans, green peas or corn can be used as a substitute. To save time, pre-cooked meatballs can be utilized instead of browning hamburger. This recipe is a great way to use leftover vegetables as well, making it versatile and adaptable.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Busy Day Meal with a crisp side salad or crusty bread to balance the meal. It pairs beautifully with the Surprising Salad for a refreshing contrast. You can also top it with shredded cheese before baking for added richness or serve it with a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For reheating, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions until hot, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Busy Day Meal contains roughly 816 calories, with 23g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (46% of the Daily Value) and iron (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1432mg per serving (62% 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 ground turkey instead of hamburger?
Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative to hamburger in this recipe. It will still give you a satisfying flavor while reducing the fat content. Just ensure to cook it thoroughly until no longer pink, similar to how you would with beef.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the hamburger with plant-based meat alternatives or cooked lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of meat juices and ensure the biscuits are also vegetarian-friendly. This will keep the dish hearty without compromising on flavor.
What can I serve with Busy Day Meal?
This dish goes well with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad. For a more filling meal, consider serving it alongside baked potatoes or a grain like rice or quinoa. Pairing it with the Baked Beans(With Meat) can also add a nice contrast of flavors.
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).