Quick And Good Casserole
A quick, hearty casserole with savory ground beef, tomatoes, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and chopped onions in a skillet.
- Drain excess fat from the beef.
- Stir in salt, garlic powder, pepper, and oregano.
- Add canned tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, and Minute rice.
- Mix well and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Top with sliced or shredded cheese.
- Cover and simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes or until the cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quick swap, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. If you don’t have Minute rice, regular rice can work; just adjust the cooking time accordingly. To enhance flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce. Feel free to sneak in some veggies like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition. This casserole pairs beautifully with Company Chili for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner. You can also serve it alongside crusty bread or garlic bread for a comforting touch. For a twist, try serving with a dollop of sour cream or salsa on top for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through, stirring halfway. Alternatively, you can bake it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until hot. Be sure to cover it to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick And Good Casserole contains roughly 580 calories, with 24g protein, 131g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (195% of the Daily Value), and calcium (150% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 843mg per serving (37% 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 in advance. Assemble all the ingredients and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you're looking for a substitute for cream of mushroom soup, you can use homemade white sauce or a can of cream of chicken soup. Alternatively, a mix of sour cream and broth can also work well for a creamy texture.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
To add some heat to this casserole, consider adding diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat mixture. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before serving for 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).