Old Faithful
A comforting one-dish casserole featuring tender meat, seasoned rice, and fresh vegetables, baked to perfection; ideal for family dinners and hearty meals.
Ingredients
- 4 medium thick lamb, pork chops, or chicken pieces ⓘ
- 1 cup raw rice
- 1 can soup (consommé or cream of chicken, mushroom, or asparagus) ⓘ
- favorite spices (such as marjoram, thyme, garlic, or savory) ⓘ
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 2 ripe tomatoes or canned tomatoes, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 green pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the meat in the oil.
- While browning, spray a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Put the rice in the bottom of the dish.
- Layer the sliced vegetables over the rice.
- Place the browned meat on top of the vegetables.
- Add more sliced vegetables over the meat if desired.
- Mix the soup with one can of water and pour over the meat and vegetables.
- Cover the dish and bake in a 350°F oven for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, consider marinating the meat in your favorite spices overnight. If you don't have a specific soup on hand, a can of diced tomatoes can be a great substitute. You can also use brown rice instead of white; just remember to increase the cooking time. Incorporating herbs like thyme or marjoram can elevate the dish, making it reminiscent of comforting American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it alongside a side of Preacher'S Baked Beans for a heartier feast. Garnishing with fresh herbs can add a pop of color and flavor, enhancing the overall presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, heating it in short intervals until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Faithful contains roughly 430 calories, with 16g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value) and protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 644mg per serving (28% 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 other types of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While lamb, pork, and chicken are traditional choices, you can also use beef or even turkey. Just adjust the cooking time according to the thickness of the meat to ensure it is cooked through.
What can I do if I want a vegetarian version?
For a vegetarian alternative, replace the meat with hearty vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of soup. You can also add beans for protein and fiber.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the vegetable layers. A dash of hot sauce in the soup mixture can also provide an extra kick.
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).