Western Meat-In-One
A hearty Western-style casserole blending ground beef, vegetables, beans, and rice, topped with cheese and olives. Perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) can kidney beans ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped ripe olives ⓘ
- 3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salad oil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 3/4 cup rice ⓘ
- 3/4 cup mushrooms ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in oil.
- Add garlic, salt, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and chili powder; sauté for 5 minutes or until vegetables are limp.
- Mix in tomatoes, kidney beans, and rice; turn mixture into a 2-quart casserole.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 45 minutes.
- Sprinkle with chopped olives and shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating spices like cumin or paprika. If you don't have kidney beans, black beans or pinto beans can be excellent substitutes. To make it a bit healthier, you can swap ground beef for ground turkey or use brown rice instead of white. This dish also works well with leftover vegetables, so feel free to toss in any you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad to balance the flavors. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like coleslaw or garlic bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside some roasted veggies or a simple fruit salad to add a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. For best results, you can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Western Meat-In-One contains roughly 763 calories, with 43g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (105% of the Daily Value), protein (87% of the Daily Value), and iron (56% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1530mg per serving (67% 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 other types of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian version. Adjust the cooking time as needed, especially for leaner meats.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with a mixture of lentils or a meat substitute like tempeh or textured vegetable protein (TVP). Ensure you use vegetable broth for cooking the rice to maintain flavor.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Assemble it and store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
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).