Mrs. G'S Casserole
A hearty casserole combining ground beef, rice, corn, and tomato sauce, topped with bacon. Perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers seeking savory, filling flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and sliced onion in a skillet; drain the fat.
- Add uncooked instant rice, undrained corn, tomato sauce, water, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture.
- Transfer the mixture into a casserole dish.
- Lay strips of bacon across the top of the casserole.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or bell peppers to the beef mixture. If you want to lighten the dish, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef. For a shortcut, opt for pre-cooked rice or a quick-cooking variety. You could also add a can of black beans for extra protein and fiber.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For an added touch, serve with crusty bread or cornbread on the side. It’s a hearty dish, so consider a light dessert like fruit salad to finish the meal.
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 (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mrs. G'S Casserole contains roughly 1802 calories, with 34g protein, 168g carbohydrates, and 112g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (104% of the Daily Value), protein (67% of the Daily Value), and iron (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 brown rice instead of instant rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time, as brown rice takes longer to cook. Pre-cook the rice according to package instructions before adding it to the casserole, and consider increasing the water slightly.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I substitute for the tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce on hand, you can use crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes as a substitute. For a different flavor profile, you could also try a homemade tomato-based sauce or even a salsa for a zesty twist.
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).