Layered Beef Vegetable Casserole
A hearty layered casserole combining ground beef, vegetables, and rice, baked to perfection with rich tomato flavor. Perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Saute ground beef, onions, and green pepper until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add salt and mix well.
- Place sliced potato in the bottom of a 2 1/2-quart baking dish.
- Layer sliced carrots, uncooked rice, and the cooked meat mixture over the potatoes, alternating layers.
- Pour mashed tomatoes over the assembled layers.
- Cover the dish and bake for 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or oregano to the meat mixture. If you don't have long grain rice, you can substitute with Betty'S Rice for a different texture. Ensure the potatoes are thinly sliced for even cooking. If you prefer a spicier dish, add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a hearty meal, consider serving it alongside Tasty Sauerkraut Dip for a tangy contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual portions until hot. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Layered Beef Vegetable Casserole contains roughly 900 calories, with 18g protein, 173g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (163% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (89% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1412mg per serving (61% 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 a different type of meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as these meats can cook more quickly than beef.
What can I do if I don't have mashed tomatoes?
If you don't have mashed tomatoes, you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce as a substitute. Just keep in mind that crushed tomatoes may create a chunkier texture, which can add a nice variation to the dish.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute like tofu or tempeh. You can also add more vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers for added flavor and 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).