Edna'S Casserole
A hearty casserole blending savory ground beef, beans, rice, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners and those craving comfort food with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dice the medium onion and add it to the ground beef.
- Brown the ground beef and onion mixture, then drain excess fat.
- Drain the Ranch Style beans and add them to the beef mixture.
- Add the Spanish rice to the mixture.
- Slice the green and black olives in half and arrange them on top of the casserole.
- Tear or cut cheese slices into strips and arrange them on top of the casserole.
- Bake in a 350°F oven until the cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the diced onion in a bit of olive oil before adding it to the beef. If you're short on time, canned olives can be used instead of fresh, and you can substitute any type of cheese you prefer for the cheese slices. This casserole can also be made with ground turkey for a lighter option.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone but pairs beautifully with a simple Garden Vegetable Soup for a balanced meal. Serve with a side salad for a refreshing contrast. For a more filling option, consider serving it with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, ensuring they're heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Edna'S Casserole contains roughly 223 calories, with 4g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g 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 use other types of beans in this casserole?
Absolutely! You can substitute black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans for the Ranch Style beans. Each type will offer a slightly different flavor and texture, but they all work well in this dish.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I serve with this casserole?
In addition to a Garden Vegetable Soup, consider serving a simple green salad or roasted vegetables as sides. This will provide a nice contrast to the richness of the casserole and balance the meal nicely.
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).