"Oh So Good" Casserole
A hearty, cheesy casserole featuring ground beef, rice, vegetables, and creamy soups, perfect for satisfying family dinners or casual gatherings with rich flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 cup diced celery ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped green pepper
- 2 pounds ground beef ⓘ
- 1 cup cooked rice ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 2 small cans mushrooms and juice ⓘ
- 1 can sliced water chestnuts ⓘ
- Salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 package shredded cheese ⓘ
- 1 small can shoestring potatoes ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown onion, celery, green pepper, and ground beef in butter.
- Mix cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, mushrooms with juice, and sliced water chestnuts.
- Combine the cooked beef mixture with the rice and soup mixture, stirring thoroughly.
- Pour the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Top with shredded cheese and shoestring potatoes.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing garlic and spices with the vegetables. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or use quinoa instead of rice for a gluten-free version. If you prefer a kick, add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the mix. This dish can also be customized with different cheeses, such as pepper jack or cheddar.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a warm corn dish. You can also enjoy it with a side of Quick Bean Soup for a comforting dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. If reheating the entire casserole, cover it with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Oh So Good" Casserole contains roughly 427 calories, with 11g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (52% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1478mg per serving (64% 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 this casserole a day in advance. Simply assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, remove the cover and bake according to the original instructions, adding a few extra minutes if it's coming directly from the fridge.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce or a dairy-free version made from cashew cream. Additionally, you can use cream of celery or cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile that still complements the dish well.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish and cover it tightly. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed. If baking from frozen, increase the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
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).