Cucumber Casserole
Cucumber Casserole offers a creamy, savory dish combining fresh cucumbers with ground beef, onions, and a rich soup base, topped with cheese and bread crumbs. Perfect for a comforting family meal or casual gathering, it balances freshness with hearty flavors for a satisfying experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Peel and seed the cucumbers, then slice them into rounds.
- Slice the onion into rounds.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, then drain excess grease.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of celery soup (or Italian soup or tomato sauce), cooked ground beef, and sliced onions.
- Layer the cucumber slices in a greased casserole dish.
- Pour the beef and soup mixture over the cucumbers.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Add buttered bread crumbs over the cheese layer.
- Bake uncovered for about 40 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. If fresh cucumbers are not available, you can use pickled cucumbers for a tangy twist. To enhance flavor, try adding garlic powder or Italian herbs to the beef mixture. This dish is great for using up leftover vegetables or meats, making it versatile and practical.
Serving Suggestions
This cucumber casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. It makes a great dish for potlucks or family gatherings, ensuring everyone gets a delicious serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but be sure to cover them to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cucumber Casserole contains roughly 182 calories, with 7g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 556mg per serving (24% 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 different types of soup for this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute the cream of celery soup with cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup based on your preference. Additionally, using tomato soup instead of Italian soup adds a nice depth of flavor. Feel free to experiment with what you have on hand!
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and replace it with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. Use a vegetable-based soup like cream of mushroom or a homemade veggie broth for a delicious alternative that maintains the casserole's creamy texture.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, just preheat the oven and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge. This is a great option for busy weeknights.
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).