German Beef Casserole

Cook: 90 min Cuisine: German

A hearty German-inspired beef casserole layered with potatoes, carrots, and seasoned beef, topped with crispy French fried onion rings for a flavorful, comforting meal perfect for family dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. lean ground beef
  • 1 cup celery, chopped
  • 3 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 4 carrots, thinly sliced
  • 2 Tbsp. Lipton dry onion soup mix
  • 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of chicken soup, undiluted
  • 1 (2.8 oz.) can French fried onion rings

Instructions

  1. Place the ingredients in a greased casserole dish in the order listed, except for the onion rings.
  2. Cover and bake in a 350°F oven for 1 to 1.5 hours.
  3. Remove from the oven and top with French fried onion rings during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using ground chuck instead of lean ground beef. If you're short on time, frozen mixed vegetables can be a great substitute for fresh carrots and celery. For a lighter version, replace the cream of chicken soup with a homemade mushroom sauce. You can also add spices like paprika or garlic powder for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This German Beef Casserole pairs beautifully with a side of buttered noodles or a simple green salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Ben'S Mom'S Spanish Rice for a satisfying dinner experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but the oven will help maintain the crispy onion topping.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of German Beef Casserole contains roughly 896 calories, with 16g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (80% of the Daily Value), potassium (58% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1079mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).

896 kcal 45% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 15.9g 32% DV
Total Fat 39.1g 50% DV
Carbs 122.2g 44% DV
Fiber 13.6g 49% DV
Sugar 11.9g 24% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1078.6mg 47% DV
Potassium 2713mg 58% DV
Cholesterol 14.6mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 716.4mcg 80% DV
Vitamin C 35mg 39% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 115.2mg 9% DV
Iron 4.1mg 23% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk

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 a different type of meat in this casserole?

Yes, you can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer a lighter option. Adjust the cooking time slightly if using leaner meats to avoid drying them out.

What can I add to make this casserole more nutritious?

Consider adding more vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or peas to boost the nutritional content. You could also incorporate some cooked quinoa or brown rice for added fiber and protein.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just add the onion rings during the last 10 minutes of baking when you're ready to serve.

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).

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