Easy Layered Casserole
A hearty layered casserole combining tender potatoes, ground beef, and colorful vegetables topped with melted cheddar, perfect for comforting family dinners and versatile gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced ⓘ
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup whole kernel corn, drained ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced ⓘ
- 1.5 pounds ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram leaves ⓘ
- 1 cup tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- parsley for garnish ⓘ
Instructions
- Layer potatoes evenly in an oiled baking dish.
- Sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
- Spread corn over the potatoes.
- Sprinkle with chopped green pepper, chopped onion, and sliced carrots.
- Crumble ground beef over the top and sprinkle with dried marjoram, salt, and black pepper.
- Top with tomato sauce and spread evenly.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Remove cover, sprinkle with grated Cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, use pre-sliced frozen potatoes. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Adding diced tomatoes can enhance the flavor. For extra creaminess, mix in a can of cream of mushroom soup with the tomato sauce. If you prefer spice, consider adding jalapeños or using pepper jack cheese instead of Cheddar.
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Layered Casserole pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside J. B.'S Chili to add a bit of warmth and spice. A dollop of sour cream on top can also complement the flavors nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Layered Casserole contains roughly 1467 calories, with 62g protein, 202g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (261% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (206% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1172mg per serving (51% 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 assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can easily substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative to make it vegetarian. Just ensure that the cooking times are adjusted accordingly.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly and placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
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).