Ranch Dinner
A hearty baked casserole featuring potatoes, rice, ground beef, vegetables, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers seeking savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spread sliced raw potatoes evenly on the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic over the potatoes.
- Sprinkle uncooked rice over the potatoes.
- Crumble ground chuck and fry in a skillet until browned.
- Spread the cooked ground meat over the potatoes and rice in the pan.
- Arrange sliced onions over the meat, then place sliced green peppers over the onions.
- Pour canned tomatoes over all the ingredients and add water up to the level of the rice.
- Lay pieces of cheddar cheese on top of the casserole.
- Bake at 400°F for 40 to 45 minutes.
- Reduce oven temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 40 minutes.
- Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the onions and green peppers before layering them for a richer taste. You can substitute the ground chuck with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can mix in a can of cream of mushroom soup. Make sure to spread the potatoes evenly to ensure they cook properly.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole is perfect on its own, but you can enhance the meal with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner. It pairs beautifully with Marian Motcheck'S Baked Cheese Fondue for those who love cheese. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
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 for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes on high, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ranch Dinner contains roughly 1106 calories, with 37g protein, 123g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (283% of the Daily Value), potassium (76% of the Daily Value), and protein (74% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 666mg per serving (29% 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 Ranch Dinner ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance. Assemble all the layers, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated thoroughly.
What can I substitute for cheddar cheese?
If you want to switch up the cheese, mozzarella or Monterey Jack are great alternatives that melt well. For a sharper flavor, try using pepper jack or a combination of different cheeses. Just keep in mind that the cheese will alter the overall taste of the dish.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground chuck and use a plant-based meat substitute or additional vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini. You can also add cooked lentils for protein. Make sure to check the canned tomatoes for any added ingredients if you want to keep it vegetarian.
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).