Beef Casseroles
Beef casseroles are a comforting and filling dish that brings the family together. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, these casseroles are easy to make and delicious. They combine layers of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy. Let’s dive into why you should make this tasty recipe and how you can create your own beef casserole at home!
Why Make This Recipe
Making a beef casserole is a great choice for several reasons. First, it’s a one-pot meal, so there’s less cleanup. Second, you can use simple ingredients that you may already have at home. Lastly, beef casseroles are incredibly versatile. You can customize them with different veggies, seasonings, or even types of cheese. This means you can always create something new and delicious without too much effort!
How to Make Beef Casseroles
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 white onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef, lean or extra-lean
- 15 ounces corn kernels, drained and rinsed
- 15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 envelope taco seasoning (2 tablespoons)
- 14 ounces chunky salsa, mild or medium
- 1 cup minute rice, uncooked
- 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese, divided in half
- 2.2 ounces Lipton Beefy Onion Soup Mix
- 21 ounces cream of mushroom soup
- 4 ounces sliced mushrooms, drained
- 2 cups beef broth
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups Minute Rice white rice
- 8 ounces Colby jack cheese, shredded
- 1½ tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 1 bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tablespoon soy sauce
- 14.5 ounces roasted garlic and onion tomatoes, not drained
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup parsley, chopped
Directions
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For Mexican Beef & Rice: In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onions and garlic until soft. Add ground beef, cooking until browned. Stir in corn, black beans, taco seasoning, salsa, rice, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until rice is cooked. Top with cheese and let it melt before serving.
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For Hamburger Rice: In a large pot, mix ground beef with soup mix. Add cream of mushroom soup, mushrooms, beef broth, milk, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Stir in rice and let simmer until rice is cooked. Top with cheese before serving.
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For Beef Noodles: Cook egg noodles according to package instructions. In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter, cooking onions, bell peppers, and garlic until tender. Add ground beef and cook through. Mix in seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, tomatoes, and cream of mushroom soup. Combine with cooked noodles and top with mozzarella and cheddar cheese, letting it melt before serving.
How to Serve Beef Casseroles
Beef casseroles are best served hot. You can garnish them with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve with a side salad or some crusty bread to round out the meal. Everyone will love digging into a warm and cheesy dish!
How to Store Beef Casseroles
To store leftover beef casserole, allow it to cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will last about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for later. Cover it tightly with foil or store it in a freezer-safe container. Frozen casseroles can be kept for about 2-3 months.
Tips to Make Beef Casseroles
- Prep Ahead: You can chop your vegetables and measure out the ingredients the night before to save time.
- Beef Options: You can use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to ground beef.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to add more veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Variation
You can experiment with different flavors by changing the seasoning or cheese. For a vegetarian version, swap out the ground beef for lentils or additional beans.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of minute rice?
Yes, but if you choose brown rice, you might need to adjust the cooking time and add more liquid as it takes longer to cook.
What can I serve with beef casseroles?
Beef casseroles pair well with a green salad, garlic bread, or even a side of steamed veggies.
Can I make this recipe without beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a tasty twist.
Now you have a complete guide to making a delicious beef casserole. Enjoy cooking and sharing this dish with your loved ones!
