Ground Chuck Casserole

Ground Chuck Casserole Recipe - Delicious and Hearty Meal

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1.5 hour | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Ground Chuck Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. This recipe combines ground chuck, corn, rice, tomato soup, and bacon for a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

Ground Chuck Casserole has been a popular dish in American households for decades. It is a simple and affordable recipe that was often made during times when ingredients were scarce or budgets were tight. The combination of ground chuck, corn, and rice creates a filling and flavorful dish that is sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) ground chuck, uncooked
1 can (7 to 8 oz or 227 g) kernel corn
1 can (10.5 oz or 298 g) Campbell's tomato soup
0.75 cup uncooked rice
1 medium onion, chopped
2 strips bacon, whole or cut up
1.25 cans (10.5 oz or 298 g) water (soup can)
salt, pepper, dash of sweet basil to taste

How to prepare

Place corn (not drained) in a 1.5 qt (1.42 liter) casserole dish.
Add uncooked rice and half of the chopped onion.
Spread half of the can of tomato soup over the mixture.
Next, crumble the uncooked ground chuck and add it to the dish along with the remaining onion, salt, pepper, and basil.
Spread the remaining tomato soup over the mixture and pour 1.25 cans of water over everything.
Place 2 strips of bacon on top.
Cover the dish and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 1.5 hours.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground chuck for a lighter version.
Add cheese on top of the casserole during the last few minutes of baking for a cheesy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to crumble the ground chuck evenly over the casserole to ensure even cooking.

- You can add additional vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.

- For a crispy bacon topping, broil the casserole for a few minutes at the end of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

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

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground beef or ground pork instead of ground chuck.

- Use frozen corn instead of canned corn.

- Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Ground Chuck Casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Ground Chuck Casserole in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Ground Chuck Casserole with a glass of red wine or a cold beer for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Ground Chuck Casserole 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

Each serving of Ground Chuck Casserole contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Ground Chuck Casserole contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Ground Chuck Casserole contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Ground Chuck Casserole contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (from the soup) and gluten (from the rice). It may also contain soy (from the bacon).

Summary

Ground Chuck Casserole is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Ground Chuck Casserole is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, the air thick with the scent of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass. I was rummaging through an old box of recipes in my grandmother's attic, looking for inspiration for dinner that evening. As I sifted through the faded index cards and yellowed newspaper clippings, my eyes fell upon a worn piece of paper with the words "Ground Chuck Casserole" scrawled across the top in elegant cursive.

I had never heard of this dish before, but something about it intrigued me. The ingredients were simple - ground chuck, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and cheese - but the method seemed to promise a delicious and hearty meal. I could almost taste the savory flavors blending together in my mouth as I read through the instructions.

I knew I had to try it. So, I set to work gathering the necessary ingredients and preparing my kitchen for the task at hand. As I chopped the onions and bell peppers, the familiar scents filled the air, transporting me back to my childhood when I would watch my own grandmother cook in this very kitchen.

I remembered how she would effortlessly whip up delicious meals using only a handful of ingredients and a pinch of love. Her recipes were passed down through generations, each one a cherished treasure that held the key to unlocking memories of family gatherings and shared meals.

As I browned the ground chuck in a hot skillet, the sizzle of the meat mingling with the aroma of garlic and onions brought a smile to my face. I felt a connection to my grandmother, a sense of pride in carrying on her tradition of cooking with passion and care.

The next step was to layer the ingredients in a casserole dish and bake it in the oven until the cheese was bubbly and golden brown. As I watched through the oven door, the anticipation building with each passing minute, I thought about all the people who had shared this recipe with me over the years.

From my grandmother to my mother, to friends and neighbors who had passed it along like a cherished secret, each person had added their own unique touch to the dish, making it truly special and unforgettable.

When the timer finally beeped, I carefully removed the casserole from the oven and set it on the counter to cool. The aroma that wafted up from the dish was heavenly, a tantalizing mix of savory beef, tangy tomatoes, and gooey melted cheese.

I couldn't wait to dig in. As I scooped out a generous portion onto my plate and took my first bite, I knew I had stumbled upon a gem of a recipe. The flavors were bold and comforting, a symphony of tastes that danced on my taste buds and warmed my soul.

I closed my eyes and savored each mouthful, letting the memories of my grandmother and all those who had shared this recipe with me wash over me like a wave of nostalgia. In that moment, I felt connected to something greater than myself, a legacy of love and tradition that would live on through the simple act of cooking and sharing a meal.

And so, as I sat at the table, savoring the last few bites of my Ground Chuck Casserole, I made a silent vow to pass this recipe on to future generations, so that they too could experience the joy and comfort of a homemade meal made with love and care. And with that thought in mind, I knew that this recipe would forever hold a special place in my heart and in the hearts of all those who came after me.