Meal-In-One Beef Casserole
A hearty, comforting casserole combining ground beef, vegetables, and creamy mushroom flavor, topped with crunchy Rice Chex; perfect for family dinners and easy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. shortening ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dill seed ⓘ
- 1 envelope mushroom soup mix ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can whole kernel corn, drained ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen mixed vegetables, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1 cup commercial sour cream ⓘ
- 2 cups Rice Chex ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a skillet, heat shortening and sauté chopped onion and ground chuck until lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
- Add salt, pepper, dill seed, and mushroom soup mix to the skillet.
- Stir in 1 cup hot water until well blended, then add drained corn, cooked mixed vegetables, and sour cream.
- Spoon the mixture into a 12 x 8 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle Rice Chex evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 30 minutes, covering loosely with foil after 15 minutes to prevent overbrowning.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier flavor, consider adding garlic or swapping out ground chuck for ground turkey or chicken. You can also use homemade cream of mushroom soup for a fresher taste. If you're looking to reduce calories, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt. This casserole can be customized with your favorite veggies; try adding bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This beef casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or some crusty bread for a satisfying dinner. For a comforting side, consider serving with mashed potatoes or a warm vegetable medley. This dish is great for family gatherings and can be made ahead of time for easy entertaining.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meal-In-One Beef Casserole contains roughly 259 calories, with 10g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (143% of the Daily Value), iron (25% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1731mg per serving (75% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it in the baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes to ensure it's heated through.
Can I use different types of vegetables?
Absolutely! This casserole is very versatile. You can substitute the mixed vegetables with any frozen or fresh vegetables you prefer, such as peas, carrots, or green beans. Just make sure to cook and drain them beforehand to avoid excess moisture.
Is it possible to freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave. Note that the texture may change slightly after freezing.
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).