Cherokee Dinner
Cherokee Dinner offers a hearty, comforting combination of seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and rice topped with melted cheese and garnished with olives. Rich in flavor and easy to prepare, it's perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, delivering satisfying tastes with a touch of Southern flair.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in olive oil.
- Stir in salt, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, tomatoes, cream of chicken soup, and rice.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Spoon the mixture into a baking dish and top with sliced cheese.
- Broil until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with sliced olives before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and add some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies. If you don't have cream of chicken soup, you can substitute with homemade cream sauce or even sour cream for a tangy twist. Make sure to rinse the rice before adding to remove excess starch.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is great served with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You might also try pairing it with cornbread or garlic bread for a comforting touch. For a fun twist, serve it alongside Buffalo Chicken Wings for a hearty dinner spread.
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 intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated thoroughly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherokee Dinner contains roughly 779 calories, with 11g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (221% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (87% of the Daily Value), and calcium (65% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1753mg per serving (76% 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 substitute brown rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time since it takes longer to cook. Increase the simmer time to about 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
What kind of cheese is best for topping?
Cheddar cheese works wonderfully for topping this dish, but you can also try mozzarella for a gooey texture or pepper jack for a bit of spice. Experiment with your favorite cheese to find your preferred flavor.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover it tightly. When ready to serve, pop it in the oven to reheat and melt the cheese for a delicious meal.
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).