Heritage Beef-Rice Casserole

Heritage Beef-Rice Casserole Recipe - USA | Ingredients: butter, beef, onion, tomato, rice, cottage cheese, sour cream, salt, black pepper, Cheddar

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Heritage Beef-Rice Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. This hearty casserole is made with tender beef chuck, flavorful onions, tangy catsup, creamy cottage cheese, and fluffy rice, all baked together to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in many families, with each cook adding their own twist to make it their own. The combination of beef and rice in a casserole dish is a popular choice for home cooks looking for a simple and tasty meal that can feed a crowd.

Ingredients

1 tbsp butter or margarine
1.5 lb (680 g) beef chuck, cut into 1 inch cubes
0.5 cup chopped onion
0.5 cup tomato catsup
3 cups cooked rice
1 cup cottage cheese
0.5 cup sour cream
0.5 cup chopped sweet pickle (optional)
1 tsp salt
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
0.5 cup grated cheddar cheese

How to prepare

Melt the butter in a large skillet. Add the beef chuck and cook until it turns brown, which should take about 10 minutes.
Add the onion, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
Stir in the catsup and rice.
Remove the skillet from the heat and blend in the cottage cheese, sour cream, pickle, salt, and pepper.
Transfer the mixture into a buttered 2 qt (1.89 liter) casserole dish. Sprinkle grated cheese on top.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 25 minutes.

Variations

Substitute ground beef for the beef chuck for a quicker cooking time.
Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Swiss, for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the beef chuck properly to develop a rich flavor in the casserole.

- Let the onions simmer with the beef to soften and release their sweetness.

- Be sure to blend in the cottage cheese and sour cream thoroughly for a creamy texture.

- Feel free to add chopped sweet pickles for a unique and tangy flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the beef chuck adds depth of flavor to the casserole.

- Simmering the onions with the beef helps to soften and sweeten them.

- Baking the casserole allows the flavors to meld together and the cheese to melt and bubble.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.

- Swap out the cottage cheese for ricotta or cream cheese for a different texture.

- Omit the sweet pickles if you prefer a more traditional flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover the dish with foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the casserole with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

This casserole pairs well with a glass of red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, to complement the rich flavors of the beef and cheese.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Heritage Beef-Rice Casserole contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Heritage Beef-Rice Casserole contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Heritage Beef-Rice Casserole contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Heritage Beef-Rice Casserole contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This casserole is a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cottage cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese) and wheat (catsup), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

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

Summary

Heritage Beef-Rice Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner. With tender beef, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Heritage Beef-Rice Casserole. It was a cold winter day, and I had invited some friends over for dinner. I wanted to impress them with a hearty and delicious meal, so I decided to try out a new recipe that I had heard about from an old friend.

I had always been passionate about cooking, and I loved trying out new recipes and experimenting with different flavors and ingredients. Over the years, I had acquired a vast collection of recipes from various places and people, each one holding a special place in my heart.

As I gathered the ingredients for the Heritage Beef-Rice Casserole, I couldn't help but think back to all the wonderful memories I had of learning to cook from my own grandmother. She was a fantastic cook, and she always made the most delicious meals with just a few simple ingredients.

I remember spending hours in her kitchen, watching her work her magic as she chopped, stirred, and seasoned her way to culinary perfection. She taught me all of her secrets and techniques, passing down her knowledge and recipes to me with love and care.

One of the recipes she had taught me was for a hearty beef and rice casserole that had been in our family for generations. It was a comforting and satisfying dish that was perfect for feeding a crowd, and it quickly became one of my favorite things to make.

As I followed the recipe for the Heritage Beef-Rice Casserole, I could almost hear my grandmother's voice guiding me through each step. I browned the ground beef in a skillet until it was nice and crispy, then added in the onions, garlic, and bell peppers to create a flavorful base for the dish.

Next, I stirred in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and a blend of herbs and spices that gave the casserole its unique and delicious flavor. I let it simmer on the stove for a while, allowing all of the ingredients to meld together and create a rich and hearty filling.

Once the filling was ready, I transferred it to a baking dish and topped it with a generous layer of melted cheese. I popped it into the oven and let it bake until the cheese was bubbly and golden brown, filling the kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma that made my stomach growl with anticipation.

When my friends arrived for dinner that evening, they were greeted with the delicious scent of the Heritage Beef-Rice Casserole wafting through the air. They eagerly dug into their servings, savoring each bite and complimenting me on my culinary skills.

As we sat around the table, enjoying good food and good company, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction. This recipe had brought us together, just as it had done for generations in my family, and I knew that it would continue to be a cherished part of my cooking repertoire for years to come.

In that moment, surrounded by the people I loved and the food I had prepared with care and passion, I realized that cooking was so much more than just following a recipe. It was a way to connect with others, to create lasting memories, and to honor the traditions and heritage that had been passed down to me through the generations.

And as I took another bite of the delicious Heritage Beef-Rice Casserole, I knew that my grandmother would have been proud of the cook I had become, and the love and joy that I poured into every dish I made.