Hearty Beef And Vegetable Casserole
Hearty beef and vegetable casserole combines tender potatoes, carrots, mushrooms, and seasoned ground beef in a creamy sauce, perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes ⓘ
- 5 carrots, cut in half lengthwise and crosswise ⓘ
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom sauce (10 3/4 oz.) ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons catsup ⓘ
- 1 pound ground beef ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced or 4 oz. canned sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
Instructions
- Parboil the potatoes and carrots in salted water for 20 minutes, then drain.
- Combine condensed cream of mushroom sauce, milk, and catsup in a bowl.
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet, then drain excess fat.
- In a 2 1/2-quart casserole, layer the parboiled potatoes, carrots, and the meat mixture, ending with the sauce mixture on top.
- Sauté the sliced mushrooms in butter or margarine until tender, then place on top of the casserole.
- Cover the casserole and bake at 375°F for 30 to 35 minutes until thoroughly heated.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the ground beef with a mix of ground turkey or chicken. You can also use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the dish. If you're pressed for time, pre-packaged sliced vegetables can save you on prep. Ensure the potatoes are cut evenly for even cooking, and don't skip the parboiling step to achieve the right texture.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A warm crusty bread or garlic bread on the side would complement the flavors nicely. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside mashed potatoes or rice. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or as a comforting weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. This casserole also freezes well for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Beef And Vegetable Casserole contains roughly 1410 calories, with 26g protein, 204g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (292% of the Daily Value), potassium (106% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (105% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 909mg per serving (40% 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 vegetables in this casserole?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for potatoes and carrots, you can add other vegetables such as green beans, bell peppers, or peas. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose to maintain the right texture.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this casserole can be assembled ahead of time. Prepare it up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I do if my casserole is too dry?
If your casserole seems dry, you can add a bit more milk or broth to the sauce mixture before baking. Alternatively, once it's baked, you can serve it with additional gravy or a drizzle of olive oil to enhance moisture and flavor.
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).