Cherokee Casserole(Yields 6 Servings)
Cherokee Casserole offers a hearty blend of ground beef, tomatoes, and creamy mushroom soup, topped with melted cheese and sliced olives. Its savory flavors and comforting texture make it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, delivering a satisfying, flavorful meal with a hint of smoky richness.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 3/4 c. onion, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 small bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 c. Minute rice ⓘ
- 6 stuffed olives, sliced ⓘ
- 3 slices American cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in oil; add chopped onion and cook until tender.
- Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, and Minute rice; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Spoon the mixture into a serving dish.
- Top with cheese strips and sliced olives.
- Broil until the cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms when cooking the onion. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with black beans and use vegetable broth instead of soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Sandwiches for a hearty lunch. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley for added color and flavor. This dish also makes great leftovers for quick lunches throughout the week.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through, stirring halfway. Alternatively, you can reheat in an oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherokee Casserole(Yields 6 Servings) contains roughly 698 calories, with 27g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (188% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (181% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1561mg per serving (68% 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 brown rice instead of Minute rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically requires more liquid and a longer cooking time, so add an extra cup of broth and allow it to simmer longer until the rice is fully cooked.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a mix of black beans or lentils for protein. Use a vegetable-based cream of mushroom soup, and ensure the cheese is vegetarian-friendly to keep it meat-free.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and bake at 350°F until heated through.
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).