Ground Beef And Hot Sausage Casserole
A hearty casserole combining seasoned ground beef, spicy hot sausage, vegetables, and rice, baked to perfection—ideal for comforting family dinners with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute ground beef in a skillet until browned.
- Place the cooked meat in a well-greased casserole dish.
- Arrange chopped celery, chopped green peppers, sliced potatoes, sliced carrots, and chopped onions in layers over the meat, seasoning each layer to taste.
- Add hot sausage on top of the layered ingredients.
- Pour tomato juice or soup over the layers and add water to cover.
- Cover the casserole dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1½ to 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of spices like paprika or Italian seasoning when layering the vegetables. If you're out of tomato juice, a can of diced tomatoes can work as a substitute. You can also replace white rice with brown rice for a nuttier flavor, but adjust cooking time accordingly. This dish is similar to other hearty American recipes like Western Beef Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole with a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast. It also pairs well with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices. For a comforting meal, consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables. This dish can easily be a main course like Beef Noodle Zap.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions on medium power until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ground Beef And Hot Sausage Casserole contains roughly 1370 calories, with 60g protein, 195g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (184% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1279mg per serving (56% 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 use other types of meat in this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer a different flavor profile, consider using Italian sausage instead of hot sausage. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the meat used.
What can I do if I don't have fresh vegetables?
If fresh vegetables aren't available, frozen vegetables can be a great alternative. Just make sure to thaw them before layering in the casserole. Canned vegetables will work too, but be sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef and hot sausage with plant-based meat alternatives or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of tomato juice to enhance the flavor, and include a variety of vegetables like zucchini and spinach for added nutrition.
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).