Cherokee Casserole

Cherokee Casserole Recipe - Delicious Ground Beef and Rice Dish from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Cherokee Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. This recipe combines ground beef, onions, tomatoes, and rice, all baked together with a creamy mushroom sauce and topped with melted cheddar cheese.

History

Cherokee Casserole is a traditional dish that has been passed down through generations in Cherokee families. It is a simple and delicious meal that is easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) ground beef
1 tbsp oil
0.5 cup chopped onions
1.5 tsp salt
0.13 tsp pepper
0.13 tsp garlic powder
0.13 tsp thyme
0.13 tsp oregano
1 small bay leaf
1 can (20 oz (567 g)) crushed tomatoes
1 can (10 oz (283 g)) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup pre-cooked rice
grated cheddar cheese

How to prepare

Brown the ground beef in the oil over high heat.
Add chopped onions and reduce heat to medium; cook until tender.
Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, crushed tomatoes, mushroom soup, and rice.
Bring everything to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Discard the bay leaf.
Spoon the mixture into a 1.5 qt (473 ml) casserole dish.
Sprinkle cheese over the top of the casserole.
Broil just until the cheese melts.

Variations

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
Add in your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or peas.
Use different types of cheese for a unique flavor twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to brown the ground beef well to develop flavor before adding the other ingredients.

- You can customize this casserole by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.

- Make sure to simmer the casserole for at least 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cherokee Casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe uses a combination of stovetop cooking and broiling in the oven to create a delicious casserole.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have condensed cream of mushroom soup, you can use condensed cream of chicken soup as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the casserole up to the point of adding the cheese, then cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Cherokee Casserole pairs well with a crisp green salad and a glass of red wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This recipe contains approximately 400 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 20 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

This recipe contains approximately 25 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Cherokee Casserole is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and wheat (condensed cream of mushroom soup).

Summary

Cherokee Casserole is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Cherokee Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that is sure to become a family favorite. With its simple ingredients and delicious flavors, this casserole is perfect for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Cherokee Casserole. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living on a small farm in the mountains of Tennessee. My grandmother, who was full-blooded Cherokee, used to make this casserole for special occasions and family gatherings.

I remember watching her as she carefully prepared the ingredients, each one measured out with precision and care. She would tell me stories about how this recipe had been passed down through generations of Cherokee women, each one adding their own twist to make it their own.

As I grew older, I began to help my grandmother in the kitchen, learning the secrets of this delicious casserole. She taught me how to brown the ground beef just right, how to layer the cornbread and cheese in the casserole dish, and how to bake it to perfection.

Over the years, I have made this Cherokee Casserole countless times, each time bringing back memories of my grandmother and the traditions she passed down to me. I have shared this recipe with friends and family, always receiving rave reviews and requests for seconds.

One day, while visiting the Cherokee reservation in North Carolina, I had the opportunity to meet with some of the elders and share my recipe for Cherokee Casserole. They were delighted to hear that their traditional dish was being enjoyed by others outside of their community.

They shared with me some of the history behind the dish, explaining that it was originally made with ingredients that were readily available to the Cherokee people, such as cornmeal, beans, and wild game. Over time, the recipe had evolved to include ingredients like ground beef and cheese, reflecting the influence of European settlers.

I was touched by their generosity in sharing their stories and traditions with me, and I felt honored to be able to carry on the legacy of this delicious casserole. It made me realize how important it is to preserve and celebrate our cultural heritage through food and recipes.

As I sit here now, in my own kitchen, preparing another batch of Cherokee Casserole, I am filled with gratitude for the memories and traditions that have been passed down to me. I can only hope that one day, my own grandchildren will be able to carry on this tradition and share the joy of this dish with their loved ones.

And so, I continue to cook and bake, keeping alive the spirit of my grandmother and the Cherokee people through the delicious flavors of Cherokee Casserole. Each bite is a reminder of the love and legacy that has been woven into this recipe, a reminder that traditions are meant to be shared and celebrated for generations to come.