Mari Lynn'S Ground Beef Casserole
Ground Beef Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish combining savory ground beef, vegetables, and a flavorful stuffing topping. Perfect for family dinners, it offers a satisfying blend of meat, vegetables, and crunchy crackers, all baked to perfection in a creamy mushroom sauce. Ideal for those who enjoy classic, home-cooked meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, beaten egg, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and crushed soda crackers. Mix well.
- Line a 1 1/2-quart casserole with the meat mixture, pressing evenly over the bottom and up the sides.
- Combine 2/3 cup water and margarine. Heat until margarine melts.
- Add stuffing mix, remaining chopped onion, and chopped celery to the water-margarine mixture. Mix well.
- Spoon the stuffing mixture into the center of the casserole.
- Pour the undiluted cream of mushroom soup over the top.
- Bake uncovered in a preheated 350°F oven for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. You can substitute the crushed soda crackers with breadcrumbs or panko if desired. If you like a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños to the meat mixture. Make sure to press the meat mixture firmly into the casserole dish to hold its shape while baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can add a nice touch. This dish pairs beautifully with America'S Favorite Pot Roast for a comforting dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mari Lynn'S Ground Beef Casserole contains roughly 903 calories, with 18g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (93% of the Daily Value), protein (37% of the Daily Value), and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1372mg per serving (60% 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 freeze the casserole before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. This makes it a convenient meal option for busy days.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer not to use cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with homemade mushroom sauce or a different condensed soup, such as cream of chicken. Alternatively, a white sauce mixed with sautéed mushrooms can also work well.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or a meat substitute like tempeh or textured vegetable protein. Use vegetable broth instead of water and opt for a vegetarian cream soup or a homemade sauce to maintain the creamy texture.
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).