Missouri Casserole
Missouri Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish featuring layers of tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and tangy crushed tomatoes. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, offering a satisfying blend of flavors that will please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Layer sliced potatoes and onions in a 10-inch pie plate.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then drain any excess fat.
- Spread the ground beef over the potatoes and onions.
- Pour the crushed tomatoes over the top, then season with salt and pepper.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil, add grated cheese on top, and return to the oven until the cheese is melted.
- Slice like pie and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a layer of sour cream or cream of mushroom soup between the potatoes and beef. If you're short on time, you can use frozen sliced potatoes as a quick substitute for fresh ones. To enhance the flavor, try adding garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the meat mixture. This dish is hearty and can be customized with vegetables like bell peppers or corn, similar to other beef recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner. You might also enjoy serving it with crusty bread or dinner rolls for a comforting touch. For a fun twist, serve it alongside Barbecue Sauce Meatballs as an appetizer before the main dish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Missouri Casserole should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Missouri Casserole contains roughly 470 calories, with 26g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (72% of the Daily Value), protein (51% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 616mg per serving (27% 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 for this casserole?
Yes, you can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat alternative. Each option will bring its own flavor, so adjust your seasonings accordingly to enhance the taste.
What can I do if I don't have crushed tomatoes?
If you don't have crushed tomatoes on hand, you can use diced tomatoes or even a jar of marinara sauce as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the consistency might differ slightly, but it will still create a delicious base for the casserole.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of Missouri Casserole, replace the ground beef with a mixture of lentils, black beans, or a veggie crumble. You can also add more vegetables, like zucchini or mushrooms, to enhance the dish and maintain its heartiness.
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).