This easy ground beef casserole is a delicious, fuss-free meal for busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a tasty Western Casserole on the table in no time. Plus, it’s great for using up leftover brown rice and beans. To top it all off, add a sprinkle of shredded cheese and diced tomatoes for an extra-special touch. Don’t hesitate – give this easy recipe a try tonight!

Making dinner doesn’t have to be a complicated affair – with some delicious Easy Recipes, you can whip up something delicious in no time! Few kitchen creations are more satisfying than creating a beautiful dish entirely from scratch – and luckily, with the right recipes, even beginner cooks can access the joys of home-cooked meals. From casseroles to tacos to homemade pasta sauces – there’s an easy recipe out there for just about anything.

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

Here’s what you need to make this easy weeknight meal!

Ground Beef– One of the best types of ground beef to use for making a classic western casserole dish is coarse ground chuck. This type of beef has a high fat content, which adds juicy flavor and also helps bind together your ingredients inside the casserole.
Olive Oil– Sautéing beef is a key step in preparing a delicious western casserole. While it might be tempting to skip the olive oil and just throw the beef into the pan, cooking with olive oil adds a hint of richness and flavor to the finished dish.
Garlic– Garlic is one of the most popular ingredients in western casseroles. Its pungent taste and fragrant aroma add a unique flavor to any dish, and it has the added benefit of being incredibly good for you!
Taco Seasoning– Adding taco seasoning to a western casserole is the perfect way to give it a delicious kick! The blend of spices, including chili pepper and cumin, creates an unbeatable flavor. Because of its intense flavor, a little bit goes a long way in adding that southwestern flair.
Brown Rice– If you’re looking for a healthy and tasty option to include in your next casserole dish, then why not switch out white rice for brown rice? Brown rice is much healthier than its white counterpart, as it still retains all of the grain’s nutritious bran and germ layers.
Red Kidney Beans– Red Kidney beans are the perfect addition to any western-style casserole. Not only are they high in fiber, antioxidants, and other vitamins and minerals, but they also bring a delicious, creamy texture and earthy flavor to the dish.
Diced Red Tomatoes– Diced Red Tomatoes are a great addition to any western casserole. Their bright, juicy flavor adds an extra layer of taste and texture to the dish, while their colorful hues bring vibrancy and life to the plate.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese– Shredded cheddar cheese makes an excellent addition to a western-style casserole. Its delicious flavor and creamy texture can take the dish from lackluster to mouthwatering. Plus, the shreds of cheese melt quickly in the oven, providing a delightful cheesy coating over any ingredients included in the recipe.
Salt and Pepper– Salt and Pepper are essential ingredients when preparing a western-style casserole. They not only add a much-needed kick of flavor, but they have the power to bring out other subtle tastes in the mix.

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Can This Western Casserole Be Made Ahead of Time?

Enjoying a delicious Western casserole for a weeknight dinner can be so satisfying, but who has the time to make it during the work/school week? The good news is that this western casserole can be made ahead of time! All you have to do is assemble the ingredients, pop it in the oven and voilà: a healthy, delicious and comforting meal ready for you when you get home.

western casserole in process ingredients

With advance preparation, there’s no need to worry about spending hours after work slaving away in the kitchen; just pull out your pre-made casserole, heat it up and your meal is served. Making this casserole ahead of time is an especially great tip if you know your schedule is going to be hectic one night. It’s a simple fix, but it makes all the difference in making sure you eat a satisfying meal any day of the week!

western casserole in process casserole dish

How Long Does This Casserole Last in the Fridge?

Cooking with ground beef can be both convenient and delicious! If you have made a ground beef casserole, however, you may be wondering how long you can store it in the fridge. Generally speaking, a casserole containing cooked ground beef should remain safe to eat for up to four days after preparation. You should also ensure that your cooked ground beef casserole is stored at 4 degrees or below and served at 65 degrees.

western casserole in dish with pink towel

It’s also important to remember that food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours must not be consumed – so don’t wait too long before popping it in the fridge! All in all, properly stored ground beef casserole should remain fresh and delicious for up to four days in the fridge.

Can I Substitute Ground Turkey for Ground Beef in this Western Casserole?

Substituting ground turkey for ground beef in your Western casserole is a great way to make your meal both healthier and less expensive! Ground turkey typically has fewer calories and less saturated fat, so you can enjoy a delicious dinner without compromising on nutrition. Keep in mind that this switch may change the flavor and texture of your casserole slightly; some people find that turkey is more mild and tender when cooked than beef.

Other suggested substitutes include soy crumbles, tempeh, and mushrooms, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and discover the version of your Western casserole that you like best!

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