Western Beef And Rice Casserole
A hearty Western-style beef and rice casserole packed with savory tomatoes, olives, and green peppers, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted ripe olives ⓘ
- 1 pound ground lean beef ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons oil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 cup uncooked rice ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups canned tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 2 or 3 teaspoons chili powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Cut olives into large pieces.
- Brown the ground beef in oil; remove the meat from the pan.
- Add chopped onion, chopped celery, chopped green pepper, and uncooked rice to the pan.
- Cook, stirring, until vegetables are tender and rice is browned.
- Add canned tomatoes, water, Worcestershire sauce, salt, chili powder, pepper, cooked beef, and olives; bring to a boil.
- Pour the mixture into a 2-quart casserole and cover.
- Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of spices like cumin or smoked paprika in addition to chili powder. If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or chickpeas. You can also use brown rice for a healthier option, but be sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly. This dish is reminiscent of other comforting American recipes like Taco Mac And Cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a refreshing green salad dressed in vinaigrette. For a more festive touch, consider serving it alongside Holiday Meatballs for a delightful combination that will impress your guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Western Beef And Rice Casserole contains roughly 488 calories, with 6g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (66% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1816mg per serving (79% 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 step and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through properly.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice. Keep in mind that brown rice requires more cooking time and additional liquid. You may need to increase the water to 3 cups and bake the casserole for a longer period, about 1 to 1.5 hours, until the rice is tender.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole is quite filling on its own, but you can enhance the meal by serving it with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple coleslaw. For a comforting twist, try pairing it with Little Round Meat Loaves for a hearty dinner experience.
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).