Workday Meal
A hearty baked casserole combining green beans, potatoes, and ground beef in a savory soup-based sauce, topped with buttery crackers for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the celery soup and mushroom soup in a bowl.
- Add water to the soup mixture and set aside.
- In a buttered baking dish, layer the green beans, sliced potatoes, and chopped onion.
- Pour half of the soup mixture over the layered vegetables.
- Place the ground beef on top of the vegetables and soup layer.
- Pour the remaining soup mixture over the ground beef.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 1 to 1 1/4 hours.
- At the end of baking, top with buttered Ritz crackers and return to the oven until crumbs turn brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding shredded carrots or bell peppers to the vegetable layers. If you don't have celery soup, cream of chicken or a homemade white sauce can work as substitutes. To save time, pre-slice your potatoes and onions. This dish is similar to the comforting flavors found in American recipes like Hunters Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Bacon Cheeseburger Balls for a fun twist at your next gathering. For a side, consider some steamed vegetables or a simple coleslaw to balance the richness of the casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave portions, covering them to retain moisture, for about 2-3 minutes on high.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Workday Meal contains roughly 903 calories, with 18g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (55% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 786mg per serving (34% 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 frozen green beans instead of canned?
Yes, frozen green beans can be used in place of canned. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before layering. This will help maintain the texture of the dish and prevent excess moisture from making it watery.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for ground beef, providing a leaner option. If you prefer a meatless version, try using lentils or beans as a protein source, seasoned well for flavor.
How do I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes in the soup mixture. You can also use a spicy sausage instead of ground beef for an extra kick. Adjust to taste!
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).