Coronado Casserole
Coronado Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish combining ground beef, rice, and tomato juice, seasoned with spices and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, its comforting flavors and simple preparation make it a crowd-pleaser for those who enjoy savory, cheesy casseroles.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook beef, rice, and chopped onion until lightly browned.
- Add salt, black pepper, paprika, tomato juice, olives, and boiling water to the mixture.
- Place the mixture in a greased casserole dish.
- Cover and bake in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 1 hour.
- Uncover, sprinkle with grated cheese, and continue baking for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding chopped bell peppers or diced tomatoes to the mixture. If you're short on time, precooked rice can be used instead of uncooked. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for the hamburger for a lighter version. Adjust the spices according to your preference; for a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes. This Coronado Casserole is versatile and can be adapted easily.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Coronado Casserole with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or buttered rolls. For a comforting side, consider Junior's Bacon Beans for a hearty addition. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, as it can easily be doubled or halved to fit your needs.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until warmed through, about 25-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Coronado Casserole contains roughly 871 calories, with 35g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (144% of the Daily Value), iron (109% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (74% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2680mg per serving (117% 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 add other vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate vegetables like peas, corn, or even spinach to enhance nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if using fresh vegetables to ensure they are tender when served.
What can I use instead of tomato juice?
If you don't have tomato juice on hand, you can blend canned tomatoes with a bit of water to achieve a similar consistency. Alternatively, vegetable broth combined with a bit of tomato paste can also work well for a different flavor profile.
Is this casserole suitable for freezing?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake 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).