Good Casserole
A hearty casserole blending flavorful ground beef, beans, rice, cheese, and spicy jalapenos, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 can Ranch Style beans (do not drain)
- 1 can Ranch Style Spanish rice
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 cup grated cheese ⓘ
- garlic to taste ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 3 cans hominy (drained well) ⓘ
- 1 chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 small jar jalapeno Cheez Whiz ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 3 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown and drain the ground beef.
- Heat Cheez Whiz, chopped onion, garlic salt, cream of mushroom soup, and chili powder until bubbly, stirring often.
- Combine the cooked ground beef with drained hominy.
- Stir in the cheese mixture and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
- Top with crushed Fritos and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of beef. You can also swap the Ranch Style beans for black beans for a different flavor. If you prefer more spice, add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture. To save time, use pre-cooked hominy or canned beans. Remember to adjust your garlic to taste, as it can become overpowering if added in excess.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or cornbread for a complete meal. For extra crunch, serve with tortilla chips on the side. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top for added richness. If you're looking for more hearty beef recipes, check out Barbecued Beef For Sandwiches for another delicious option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil, then bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Good Casserole contains roughly 836 calories, with 36g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (73% of the Daily Value), protein (72% of the Daily Value), and iron (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1430mg per serving (62% 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 prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of Cheez Whiz?
If you’d like a healthier alternative to Cheez Whiz, you can use a homemade cheese sauce made from melted cheddar cheese mixed with a bit of milk. Additionally, store-bought queso dip can serve as a substitute if you prefer a different flavor profile.
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).