Crisscross Casserole
A hearty, cheesy casserole combining ground beef, tomato sauce, rice, and melted American cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners and easy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet.
- Drain excess fat from the beef mixture.
- Add seasonings: oregano, garlic powder, thyme.
- Stir in tomato sauce, cream of mushroom soup, and Minute rice.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until heated through.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Arrange narrow slices of American cheese on top in a crisscross pattern.
- Bake in a 350°F oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture. If you don't have American cheese, you can substitute with cheddar or mozzarella. Additionally, using leftover cooked rice can save time. This dish is also versatile; you can make it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Serving Suggestions
This Crisscross Casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting dinner, serve it alongside garlic bread or a light soup. You can also explore other comforting dishes like Pizzo-Macaroni Casserole for variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience, but the oven will help keep the cheese from becoming rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crisscross Casserole contains roughly 514 calories, with 23g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (146% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (128% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (85% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 812mg per serving (35% 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 prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it with foil, and refrigerate before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge. Make sure to remove the foil during the last few minutes to allow the cheese to melt and brown.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of chicken soup or make a homemade white sauce using butter, flour, and milk. This will give you a similar creamy texture. You can also add sautéed mushrooms if you want to maintain a mushroom flavor.
Can I freeze the Crisscross Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. To freeze, let it cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight 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).