Economy Oven Dish
A hearty, comforting oven dish layered with potatoes, carrots, onions, and seasoned ground beef, topped with tomato soup and baked to tender perfection, ideal for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Layer the white potatoes, sliced carrots, sliced onions, diced celery, and drained peas into a buttered casserole in the order given.
- Season each layer with salt and pepper.
- Brown the hamburger in a skillet.
- Place the cooked hamburger on top of the layered vegetables in the casserole.
- Mix the brown sugar and oregano into the can of tomato soup and pour over the casserole.
- Cover the casserole and bake for 1 hour and 45 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the onions and celery before adding them to the casserole. You can substitute the hamburger with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If you're short on time, using pre-packaged frozen vegetables can speed up the preparation without compromising taste. This dish is a hearty take on classic American recipes, perfect for feeding a crowd.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Economy Oven Dish with a fresh green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. It pairs well with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole. For a heartier option, you might enjoy it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or as a side to Stan'S Hamburger Noodle Bake, creating a comforting dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. This dish also freezes well; just ensure it's tightly sealed and consumed within 2-3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Economy Oven Dish contains roughly 181 calories, with 3g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (54% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), and calcium (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble all the layers, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, simply add an additional 15-20 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through properly.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you prefer not to use tomato soup, you can substitute it with a homemade tomato sauce or a can of diced tomatoes combined with a bit of broth. Add some Italian herbs for flavor to mimic the original dish’s taste.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or corn. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as some vegetables may require less time to become tender.
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).