Washday Dinner
A hearty, comforting ground beef and bean casserole with potatoes and spices, perfect for a quick, budget-friendly family meal on a busy weeknight.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook the ground chuck until browned.
- Add chopped onion, salt, and pepper; cook until onion is softened.
- Stir in cooked red beans, tomato sauce, oregano, and ground cumin; simmer for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, peel and cube the potatoes.
- Add the potatoes to the meat mixture and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Garnish with minced parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of ground chuck. You can also substitute the tomato sauce with crushed tomatoes for a chunkier texture. If you want to add some heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper can enhance the dish. Make sure to cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender to achieve the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty meal pairs beautifully with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. You can also serve it alongside cornbread for a comforting experience. For a refreshing drink, consider serving a Scarlett Sipper(Punch) to complement the flavors of this dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the dish on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience, but be sure to cover the dish to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Washday Dinner contains roughly 1015 calories, with 26g protein, 123g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value), potassium (55% of the Daily Value), and protein (52% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 995mg 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 vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground chuck with a plant-based meat alternative or increase the amount of red beans. To enhance the flavor, consider adding more spices or vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to create a delicious vegetarian version.
What can I serve with Washday Dinner?
Washday Dinner is versatile and goes well with many sides. Consider serving it with a simple green salad, some steamed rice, or cornbread. If you want to enhance the meal further, a side of roasted vegetables would also be a great addition.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze Washday Dinner! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed 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).