Farmhouse Beef Casserole

Farmhouse Beef Casserole Recipe - Delicious and Hearty American Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Farmhouse Beef Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. This casserole is made with layers of crispy potatoes, flavorful ground sirloin, and a cheesy topping that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

History

The Farmhouse Beef Casserole recipe has been passed down through generations in farmhouse kitchens across the country. It is a classic comfort food dish that is loved for its simplicity and delicious flavors.

Ingredients

olive oil cooking spray
1 small russet or all-purpose potato, about 4 oz (120 g)
1 cup shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese, about 114 g
1 lb extra-lean ground sirloin, about 480 g
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 x 14.5 oz can no-salt-added diced tomatoes with juice, about 435 g
1 tbsp chili powder, or to taste
2 cups shredded green cabbage, about 140 g
salt (optional)
freshly ground pepper to taste
1 to 3 tbsp purchased taco sauce
6 slices pickled jalapeño chile peppers (optional)

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C or gas mark 5).
Lightly coat a 2 qt (2 liter) casserole with cooking spray.
Peel and grate the potato into a bowl.
Stir in 0.25 cup (29 g) of cheese.
Spread the mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared casserole.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the potato is browned and crispy.
Meanwhile, brown the ground sirloin, onion, and garlic in a large nonstick skillet, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon as it browns.
Discard any excess fat.
Stir in the tomatoes with their juice, chili powder, and cabbage.
Season with pepper to taste.
Sauté, stirring, for a minute or two.
If the mixture seems too dry, add 1 tbsp of the bottled taco sauce, adding up to 2 tbsp more if needed.
When the potatoes are done, spoon the beef mixture on top of them.
Top with the remaining cheese and jalapeño slices (if using).
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Serve immediately.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or corn to the beef mixture for added flavor and texture.
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground sirloin for a lighter version of the casserole.
Experiment with different types of cheese for a unique twist on the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the ground sirloin well to develop maximum flavor in the dish.

- Feel free to customize the casserole with your favorite vegetables or spices.

- For a crispy topping, bake the potatoes separately before adding the beef mixture on top.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Farmhouse Beef Casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also top it with sour cream or avocado for extra creaminess.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the ground sirloin before adding it to the casserole helps develop a rich flavor in the dish.

- Baking the potatoes separately ensures that they are crispy and golden brown.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use sweet potatoes or parsnips instead of russet potatoes for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Farmhouse Beef Casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply assemble the casserole as directed, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Farmhouse Beef Casserole in individual ramekins for a cute and rustic presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Farmhouse Beef Casserole with a glass of red wine or a cold beer for a delicious and satisfying meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread or dinner rolls for a complete dinner.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of the Farmhouse Beef Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350 per serving

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 18g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 5g

Fats

- Total Fat: 15g

- Saturated Fat: 7g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 28g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 15%

- Vitamin C: 30%

- Calcium: 20%

- Iron: 25%

Alergens

Contains dairy

Summary

Farmhouse Beef Casserole is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is a satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner.

Summary

Farmhouse Beef Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. With layers of crispy potatoes, flavorful ground sirloin, and a cheesy topping, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living on my family's farm. My mother had been feeling under the weather, and I wanted to surprise her with a delicious meal to make her feel better.

I rummaged through our old recipe box, filled with handwritten cards and newspaper clippings, until I stumbled upon a faded, yellowed piece of paper. The title read "Farmhouse Beef Casserole." Intrigued, I carefully read through the instructions, taking note of the simple ingredients and easy preparation.

Excited to try my hand at this new recipe, I set to work in our cozy farmhouse kitchen. I gathered the fresh vegetables from our garden, the tender beef from our own pasture, and the fragrant herbs from our herb garden. As I chopped, sautéed, and simmered, the kitchen filled with a mouthwatering aroma that made my stomach growl in anticipation.

When the casserole was finally ready, I carefully spooned it into a serving dish and brought it to the dining table, where my mother was waiting with a smile. She took one bite and her face lit up with delight. "This is delicious, my dear!" she exclaimed. "You really have a talent for cooking."

From that day on, Farmhouse Beef Casserole became a staple in our family's meal rotation. It was a hearty and comforting dish that never failed to warm our bellies and bring us together around the dinner table. Over the years, I perfected the recipe, tweaking and adjusting it to suit our tastes and preferences.

I have many fond memories of making this casserole for family gatherings, holidays, and special occasions. It became a dish that my children and grandchildren requested time and time again. The recipe was passed down through the generations, with each cook adding their own personal touch to it.

I remember the first time I shared the recipe with a close friend who was going through a difficult time. She had lost her job and was feeling lost and hopeless. I invited her over for dinner and served her a steaming hot serving of Farmhouse Beef Casserole. As she took a bite, her eyes welled up with tears.

"This is exactly what I needed," she whispered. "It's like a warm hug in a bowl."

That moment solidified in my mind the power of food to comfort, heal, and bring people together. I realized that this simple casserole had the ability to nourish not just our bodies, but our souls as well.

As the years went by, I continued to make Farmhouse Beef Casserole for my family and friends, always with a heart full of love and a spirit of generosity. It became more than just a recipe—it became a symbol of my love and care for those around me.

And now, as I sit here in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar aromas and memories of years gone by, I can't help but feel grateful for the simple joy of cooking and sharing a meal with the ones I love. Farmhouse Beef Casserole will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the time-honored traditions and enduring connections that food can create.