Microwave Oriental Beef And Tomato Casserole
A quick and flavorful microwave beef and vegetable casserole with savory soy, ginger, and fresh tomatoes, perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or busy family meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. tender beef, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, peeled and crushed ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. light soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ginger ⓘ
- 1 c. thinly sliced celery ⓘ
- 1 c. thinly sliced onion ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 4 small tomatoes, peeled and cut into wedges ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. water ⓘ
Instructions
- Place beef in a deep quart microwave casserole dish and heat on full power for 5 minutes or until meat is no longer red.
- Drain excess liquid from the dish.
- Add garlic, soy sauce, ginger, celery, onion, green pepper, and tomatoes to the beef.
- Heat on full power for 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- In a small custard cup, combine cornstarch and water to make a smooth paste.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the liquid in the casserole dish.
- Heat on full power for 2 minutes until the mixture is thickened and smooth.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, marinate the beef in the soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for about 30 minutes before cooking. You can substitute the beef with chicken or tofu for a lighter option. If you prefer a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or sriracha. Using fresh vegetables will enhance the texture and taste, making this dish even more delightful.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce. A side of sautéed greens, like bok choy or spinach, pairs beautifully with this dish. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad or some pickled vegetables. This recipe also makes a great base for a Chinese Beef and Vegetable stir-fry when modified.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover to retain moisture, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. This dish can also be easily frozen for up to a month; just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Oriental Beef And Tomato Casserole contains roughly 380 calories, with 25g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (86% of the Daily Value), protein (50% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 704mg per serving (31% 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 frozen beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it's best to thaw it first for even cooking. If you're short on time, microwave the beef on defrost until just tender, then slice it thinly and proceed with the recipe as directed.
What other vegetables can I add to this casserole?
You can customize this dish by adding vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking. Feel free to experiment with whatever vegetables you have on hand.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this casserole gluten-free, substitute the light soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Ensure the cornstarch is also labeled gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the flavors without any gluten concerns.
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).