Saturday Special
A hearty, creamy casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, corn, sour cream, and crispy fried onions—perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Crumble ground beef into a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Add chopped onion to the beef.
- Microwave on High for 5 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking.
- Drain excess fat and return the casserole to the dish.
- Add sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, drained corn, chopped pimiento, salt, and pepper to the casserole.
- Cover and microwave on High for 5 minutes.
- Top with thinly sliced tomato if using.
- Microwave for an additional 3 minutes on High or until tomatoes are slightly softened.
- Garnish with French fried onions.
- Let stand uncovered for 3 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding garlic or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef while cooking. If you're looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the ground beef. To enhance the dish's creaminess, try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with a mix of beans or lentils.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a heartier option, you might serve it alongside mashed potatoes or rice. It also works great as a filling for tacos or wraps for a fun twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to the casserole to prevent it from drying out, then microwave on medium until heated through. This dish also freezes well; just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Saturday Special contains roughly 171 calories, with 6g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1485mg per serving (65% 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 a different type of soup in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or even a cheese soup for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that it may alter the overall taste of the dish.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of microwaving, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time when you're ready to heat it.
What can I use instead of French fried onions?
If you don't have French fried onions, you can use crushed potato chips or even breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter as a crispy topping. This gives a nice crunch and flavor while still complementing the dish.
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).