Quick Casserole Dinner
A hearty and flavorful casserole combining seasoned ground beef, vegetables, tomato sauce, and melted cheese, topped with flaky biscuits. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies the whole family with its comforting tastes and easy preparation.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce with mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) package frozen peas, parboiled ⓘ
- 1 package refrigerated biscuits ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar) ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef, chopped onion, and chopped celery in a skillet.
- Drain the fat; stir in flour, tomato sauce with mushrooms, salt, oregano, pepper, and parboiled peas.
- Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Pour the mixture into a shallow baking dish.
- Top with refrigerated biscuits and shredded cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting ground turkey or chicken for the beef. You can enhance the sauce with Italian seasoning or garlic powder. If you prefer a healthier twist, swap the biscuits for a whole grain alternative or use a layer of mashed potatoes. Ensure the peas are not overcooked to maintain their vibrant color and texture.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, serve with garlic bread or a side of rice. You can also drizzle with a bit of hot sauce for those who enjoy a kick. Browse more American recipes for additional meal ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any 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) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Casserole Dinner contains roughly 1018 calories, with 29g protein, 197g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (276% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2896mg per serving (126% 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 the casserole up to the baking stage, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the cover and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
What can I use instead of tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce on hand, crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute. You might need to add a bit of extra seasoning to compensate for the flavor difference. Alternatively, a homemade tomato sauce can be prepared quickly with canned tomatoes, herbs, and spices.
Is it possible to freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake until 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).