Cheese Dish
A hearty cheesy casserole combining ground meat, potatoes, green beans, and rich tomato flavors, perfect for comforting family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground chuck or ground round ⓘ
- 2 large baking potatoes, cubed ⓘ
- 1 can tomato soup
- 1/2 can water ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup Green Giant green beans, thawed ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, finely chopped ⓘ
- 12 oz. shredded medium or sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 4 tsp. salt
- black pepper to taste ⓘ
- French or Italian bread, served with butter ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 10-inch skillet, brown the ground meat with 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 2 teaspoons salt until it loses its red color.
- Drain off fat and transfer the cooked meat into a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Cook the cubed potatoes in boiling water with 2 teaspoons salt until barely fork-tender, about 5 to 9 minutes. Drain and layer on top of the meat in the casserole dish.
- Sauté the chopped onion and green pepper in 1 tablespoon of fat from the meat until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add the thawed green beans to the sautéed vegetables.
- Pour in the tomato soup, water, dark brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and black pepper to taste. Mix well.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato soup mixture. If you're short on time, pre-cooked potatoes or frozen cubed potatoes can be used to cut down on cooking time. For a vegetarian option, replace the ground meat with lentils or a meat substitute, making sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
This cheese dish pairs beautifully with French or Italian bread served with butter, making it a perfect comfort food meal. You might also want to serve it alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for added nutrition. For a twist, try it with a side of Jimmy'S Harborside Famous Fish Balls for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F for approximately 20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Dish contains roughly 640 calories, with 30g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (77% of the Daily Value), protein (60% of the Daily Value), and iron (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 662mg per serving (29% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point of baking it and then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to cook, simply bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through.
What can I substitute for the green beans?
If you don't have green beans, you can substitute them with frozen peas or corn for a different texture and flavor. Alternatively, fresh vegetables like zucchini or spinach can be sautéed and added just before mixing in the sauce for a fresh twist.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the mixture for increased heat. Additionally, using a spicy cheddar cheese can also elevate the flavor profile without overpowering the dish.
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).