Deerburger Casserole
A hearty casserole combining ground venison with rice and vegetables, topped with melted cheese. Perfect for comfort food lovers and family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a deep frying pan, sauté onion, bell pepper, and celery in a small amount of vegetable oil until tender.
- Add ground meat and cook until redness is gone, stirring frequently until well mixed.
- Add mashed tomatoes, water, rice, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce. Mix well and let simmer with lid on until rice is tender, about 30 minutes.
- Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and bake at 350°F until light brown.
- Sprinkle grated cheese on top and return to oven for about 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or spices such as cumin or paprika. If ground deer meat is unavailable, ground beef or turkey can be used as substitutes. To make it a bit healthier, you can replace white rice with brown rice or quinoa, adjusting the cooking time accordingly. This dish pairs beautifully with A. J.'S Jam Cake for dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Deerburger Casserole hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added flavor. It pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving with crusty bread or Super Cheese Bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the rice has dried out. For longer storage, consider freezing the casserole, which will keep for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Deerburger Casserole contains roughly 169 calories, with 6g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (94% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2137mg per serving (93% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. If you do this, you might want to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
What can I use instead of rice in this recipe?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, quinoa or cauliflower rice are great alternatives to traditional rice. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as quinoa cooks faster than white rice, while cauliflower rice requires less liquid.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground deer meat with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute for a delicious vegetarian version. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition.
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).