Can'T Miss Casserole
A hearty, comforting casserole with rice, ground beef, vegetables, and a savory tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners and easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a greased 2-quart baking dish, combine rice, salt, pepper, corn, one can of tomato sauce, water, onion, and green pepper.
- Add ground beef and the second can of tomato sauce.
- Add a quarter can of water and cover with bacon strips.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until bacon is crisp.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, you can substitute the bacon with turkey bacon or even a vegetarian option like tempeh. If you want to add more flavor, consider using chicken broth instead of water. Feel free to mix in additional vegetables like diced carrots or peas to enhance the nutrition. This casserole is versatile, so experiment with different spices to suit your taste!
Serving Suggestions
This casserole makes a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or a side of steamed broccoli for added greens. For a comforting touch, serve with crusty bread or garlic knots. If you enjoy hearty dishes, don't forget to check out Beef Stew With Lima Beans for more satisfying options!
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Can'T Miss Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place portions in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Can'T Miss Casserole contains roughly 339 calories, with 11g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value) and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1816mg per serving (79% 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Simply assemble it in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of rice?
If you're looking for a gluten-free alternative, try quinoa or cauliflower rice. Both options will absorb the flavors well while providing a different texture. For a more filling choice, or if you have leftovers, you can also use cooked pasta or even gnocchi.
Is it possible to freeze the casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking or freeze leftovers after cooking. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
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).