Hearty Beef-N-Vegetables
Hearty and comforting, this beef and vegetable casserole combines tender ground beef, broccoli, cheesy topping, and crispy potatoes for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen potato rounds ⓘ
- 1 pound ground beef ⓘ
- 10 oz frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and drained ⓘ
- 2.8 oz can Durkee French fried onions ⓘ
- 1 medium tomato, chopped (optional) ⓘ
- 10 3/4 oz can condensed cream of celery soup ⓘ
- 1/3 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Arrange frozen potato rounds in the bottom and up sides of an 8 x 12-inch baking dish to form a shell.
- Bake, uncovered, at 400°F for 10 minutes.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned; drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, mix condensed cream of celery soup, milk, garlic powder, and chopped tomato if using.
- Spread cooked ground beef over the partially baked potatoes.
- Add thawed and drained broccoli evenly over the beef.
- Pour the soup mixture over the vegetables.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered at 400°F for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Sprinkle Durkee French fried onions over the top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker version, you can use fresh vegetables instead of frozen broccoli; just sauté them lightly before adding. If you prefer a creamier texture, consider using cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of celery soup. Adding some diced bell peppers or corn can enhance the flavor and texture. This dish can be customized with your favorite seasonings, making it versatile for various tastes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a simple side salad or crusty bread to complement the flavors. It pairs beautifully with Fourth Of July Bean Casserole for a festive meal. For a complete dinner, consider adding a light dessert, such as fruit salad or a slice of pie, to round out the experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through, adding a splash of milk if it seems dry. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Beef-N-Vegetables contains roughly 688 calories, with 22g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), calcium (49% of the Daily Value), and protein (45% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1260mg per serving (55% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point of baking, 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 placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you're looking for a vegetarian alternative, try using a meat substitute like lentils or plant-based ground meat. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly for the different proteins.
Is it possible to freeze this dish?
Yes, this dish can be frozen before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap it tightly and store for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. If freezing leftovers, ensure they are stored in an airtight container and consumed within 2-3 months.
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).