Chuck Bake
A hearty baked ground beef dish with tangy ketchup, onions, and herbs, perfect for family dinners and those craving comfort food with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Form the ground chuck into one very large patty about 1/2-inch thick and place on a large piece of aluminum foil.
- Melt margarine in a pan and brown the sliced onions.
- Place the cooked onions on top of the meat patty.
- Mix catsup, Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, lemon slices, salt, and pepper, then pour the mixture over the meat.
- Seal the foil and bake at 350°F for 40 minutes.
- Open the foil and broil for 5 minutes to brown the top.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, consider using fresh onions and experimenting with a mix of yellow and sweet onions. If you prefer a tangier taste, substitute the catsup with barbecue sauce. You can also add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture. If you want a spicier kick, incorporate some hot sauce into the sauce mixture. This dish is quite forgiving, so feel free to customize it to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
This chuck bake pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad. You could also serve it alongside garlic bread for a complete meal. For a fun twist, consider serving it with a side of Sweet And Sour Dill Pickles to enhance the flavors. This dish is hearty enough to stand alone or pair with lighter sides to balance the richness.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chuck bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick meals, though the oven method will help maintain the texture better.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chuck Bake contains roughly 273 calories, with 10g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (144% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 569mg per serving (25% 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 a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly, so check for doneness. Using beef provides a richer flavor, but if you're looking for healthier alternatives, these options work well too.
How can I adjust the seasonings to my taste?
Feel free to modify the amount of Worcestershire sauce and salt based on your preferences. If you enjoy herbs, adding a little thyme or oregano can elevate the dish. You can also reduce the salt if you're watching your sodium intake, as the catsup and Worcestershire sauce already contain salt.
What can I do if I don’t have aluminum foil?
If you don't have aluminum foil, you can use a large baking dish covered with a lid or parchment paper. Just ensure it’s tightly sealed to keep the moisture in while baking. The key is to create a steam effect, so any oven-safe cover will work well in this recipe.
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).