Hearty Vegetable Beef Casserole: A Comforting Family Favorite
Description
Dive into a comforting, all-in-one dish that promises to warm your heart and your stomach! This Hearty Vegetable Beef Casserole, originally inspired by a classic from Low Fat Country Cooking, has been lovingly tweaked with a few personal touches to enhance its flavor and heartiness. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or simply a cozy meal at home, this casserole combines tender beef with an assortment of vegetables, all topped with a melty layer of sharp cheddar cheese. It’s the epitome of down-home cooking and simplicity, ensuring everyone around the table will leave satisfied.
Ingredients
- Carrots: 3 medium, peeled and sliced
- Celery: 3 ribs, chopped
- Fresh Green Beans: 3 cups, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- Onion: 2 medium, diced
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon
- Pepper: 1 teaspoon, freshly ground
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Canned Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 ounces), diced
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 1 to 1 ½ cups, shredded
- Ground Beef: 1 pound, uncooked
Instructions
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Prepare the Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 3-quart casserole dish, such as a 9 x 13-inch Pyrex baking dish.
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Layer the Vegetables: Begin by arranging half of the sliced carrots, chopped celery, fresh green beans, and diced onion in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
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Add the Beef: Crumble half of the uncooked ground beef over the vegetable layer. Make sure the beef is evenly distributed.
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Season the Layers: Sprinkle the layer with ½ teaspoon each of dried thyme and freshly ground pepper. Season with salt and garlic powder according to your taste preferences.
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Repeat the Layers: Add another layer of the remaining carrots, celery, green beans, and onion, followed by the remaining crumbled beef. Season again with thyme, pepper, salt, and garlic powder.
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Top with Tomatoes: Pour the diced tomatoes, along with their juice, evenly over the top of the casserole.
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Bake the Casserole: Cover the casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
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Reduce the Heat: After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Continue baking for about 1 hour, or until the vegetables are tender and the beef is thoroughly cooked.
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Add the Cheese: Remove the cover or foil, sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Let Stand: Once baked, let the casserole stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to scoop out portions.
Serving Suggestions
This Hearty Vegetable Beef Casserole is a complete meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some crusty bread for a more rounded dinner. For a festive touch, serve alongside a tangy coleslaw or steamed broccoli.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 296.4
- Fat: 16.4g
- Saturated Fat: 7.4g
- Cholesterol: 55.1mg
- Sodium: 163.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 21.6g
- Fiber: 4.2g
- Sugar: 4.8g
- Protein: 16.3g
Tips for Success
- Beef Variations: For a leaner option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
- Vegetable Options: Feel free to mix and match vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Frozen vegetables can also be used as a convenient alternative.
- Cheese Choices: While sharp cheddar is used here, other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby could be great substitutes for a different flavor profile.
Enjoy your hearty, home-cooked meal that’s sure to bring smiles and satisfaction to your table. 🍲🧀🥕
