Crock Hamburger Casserole
A hearty crockpot casserole combining tender potatoes, carrots, green beans, onions, and seasoned ground beef in a savory tomato juice and soup mixture, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place layers of sliced potatoes, sliced carrots, frozen beans, sliced onions, and diced celery in the crock pot, seasoning each layer with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix the can of tomato soup with the can of tomato juice until well combined.
- Add the browned and seasoned ground beef on top of the vegetable layers in the crock pot.
- Pour the tomato juice and soup mixture over the ingredients in the crock pot.
- Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours or until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding bell peppers or using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a bit of spice, add some chili powder or diced jalapeños. Make sure to season each layer well, as this enhances the overall flavor, similar to what you'd find in Farris Five Hour Stew.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting casserole with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad to balance the meal. It pairs beautifully with a light vinaigrette salad or roasted vegetables. For added flavor, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top just before serving, or enjoy it with a dollop of sour cream for creaminess.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months; just thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crock Hamburger Casserole contains roughly 712 calories, with 23g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (256% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (78% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (74% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 491mg per serving (21% 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 fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh vegetables! Just be mindful of the cooking time, as fresh veggies may require a bit less time to become tender. Carrots, potatoes, and celery will work well; just chop them into similar sizes for even cooking.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and replace it with a mix of lentils or your choice of protein, like black beans or chickpeas. You can also add more vegetables for a hearty texture, similar to the flavors in Grandma Dula's Roast Beef.
What can I serve as a side dish?
This casserole is quite filling on its own, but you might consider serving it with a light soup like Microwave Country Chili or a fresh, crisp salad. A side of steamed broccoli or green beans would also complement the rich flavors beautifully.
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).