Crock-Pot Beef And Rice Casserole
A hearty crock-pot beef and rice casserole combining savory beef, tender rice, and crunchy almonds, perfect for a comforting family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat shortening in a skillet and brown the ground beef, discarding excess fat.
- Combine the browned beef, sliced onion, celery, soy sauce, oregano, and cream of chicken soup in the crock-pot.
- Cook on high for 3 hours.
- Add the cooked rice to the crock-pot and mix well.
- Serve topped with toasted slivered almonds.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or bell peppers to the mix. If you're out of ground beef, ground turkey or chicken can be a great substitute. You can also use leftover rice to save time. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste, and feel free to experiment with different herbs or spices to make it your own.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with toasted bread or biscuits. For a heartier option, try serving it alongside a creamy soup like Down Home Chicken Soup for a comforting dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals until warmed through, or heat in a skillet over medium heat. If the casserole seems dry, add a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crock-Pot Beef And Rice Casserole contains roughly 614 calories, with 18g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (35% of the Daily Value) and iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2288mg per serving (99% 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just combine all the ingredients in the crock-pot and cover it. When you're ready to cook, simply set the crock-pot to the desired temperature and cook as directed.
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding Worcestershire sauce for depth or some diced tomatoes for acidity. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can also brighten the dish. For a spicy kick, try adding red pepper flakes or jalapeños, depending on your preference.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or use beans for protein. Replace the cream of chicken soup with a vegan cream soup or a homemade version using cashews or silken tofu blended with vegetable broth for creaminess.
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).