Cherokee Casserole Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of Native American cuisine with this hearty and flavorful Cherokee Casserole. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for beginners and can be whipped up in no time, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights. Packed with savory ingredients like ground beef, tomatoes, and olives, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite!

Cook Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 401 per serving
Rating: 4.5 stars (from 11 reviews)

Ingredients

1 cup long-grain rice
1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, diced
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/8 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp ground cumin
1/8 tsp salt
12 pitted green olives
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Cook Rice: Start by cooking the long-grain rice according to the package instructions. Set aside once cooked.
Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until tender. Drain any excess fat from the meat.
Combine Ingredients: To the skillet with the cooked meat and onions, add the crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, dried oregano, garlic powder, ground cumin, salt, pepper, and green olives. Stir well to combine.
Simmer: Allow the mixture to simmer together in the skillet until the rice is finished cooking. This will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Combine Rice and Meat Mixture: Once the rice is cooked, add it to the skillet with the meat mixture. Gently mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole mixture. Cover the skillet and let it sit for a few minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld.
Serve: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the Cherokee Casserole hot and enjoy the delicious flavors!

Nutritional Information

Calories: 401
Total Fat: 20.2g
- Saturated Fat: 8.3g
Cholesterol: 66.3mg
Sodium: 582.3mg
Total Carbohydrates: 32.4g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.6g
- Sugar: 3.2g
Protein: 21.4g

Tips

Feel free to customize this casserole with your favorite ingredients such as bell peppers, corn, or black beans.
For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or extra vegetables.
Make a double batch and freeze individual portions for quick and convenient meals later on.

Conclusion

This Cherokee Casserole is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Serve it up with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy the taste of Native American cuisine with this delicious casserole recipe! 🍽️🥘