Stack-A-Dinner
A hearty layered casserole combining seasoned ground beef, rice, peas, and melted cheese, topped with olives for a flavorful, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce with mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/4 c. catsup ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano leaves, crushed ⓘ
- 3 drops bottled hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 2 c. uncooked packaged precooked rice ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen peas ⓘ
- 4 oz. sharp process American cheese, shredded ⓘ
- sliced pimiento-stuffed green olives ⓘ
- 1/4 c. water ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with chopped onion; drain off excess fat.
- Add tomato sauce, catsup, dried oregano, hot pepper sauce, water, salt, and pepper; bring to boiling, stirring often.
- Simmer the meat mixture for a few minutes until heated through.
- Cook rice and prepare peas following package directions.
- On individual serving plates, layer cooked rice, peas, the meat mixture, then sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Trim with sliced pimiento-stuffed green olives before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage. You can substitute the uncooked packaged precooked rice with quinoa or brown rice for a healthier twist. If you want to add more vegetables, diced bell peppers or corn can be included in the meat mixture. Adjust the hot sauce based on your spice preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Stack-A-Dinner with a simple side salad or garlic bread to complement the hearty flavors. For added crunch, consider pairing it with tortilla chips or fresh veggies and dip. This dish also pairs beautifully with American recipes that feature cheese, making it a comforting family meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stack-A-Dinner contains roughly 472 calories, with 11g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (85% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (65% of the Daily Value), and calcium (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 990mg per serving (43% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and rice separately ahead of time. Store them in the fridge and layer just before serving. This makes it convenient for busy weeknights or gatherings, allowing the flavors to meld together nicely.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative like crumbled tofu or tempeh. Use vegetable broth in place of water and avoid the cheese or opt for a dairy-free alternative to create a delicious vegetarian version.
What can I serve with Stack-A-Dinner?
This dish is versatile and pairs well with various sides. Consider a crisp garden salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables. You could also serve it with cornbread for a comforting, hearty meal that everyone will enjoy.
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).