Craving a hearty, delicious meal that's both satisfying and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further than this Roast Beef Casserole recipe! This classic comfort food is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend gathering. It's packed with flavor, requires minimal prep time, and delivers a wonderfully rich and tender result that will leave everyone wanting more. This easy recipe is a fantastic example of how homemade cooking can be both quick and incredibly rewarding. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb leftover roast beef, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ cups mashed potatoes (either homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
Get Started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Sauté the Veggies: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This simple step adds depth of flavor to your casserole.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables, sliced roast beef, beef broth, peas, corn, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well coated.
Assemble and Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top, creating a smooth layer. For a golden-brown crust, you can lightly brush the mashed potatoes with a little melted butter.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the mashed potatoes are lightly browned. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra richness: Use homemade beef broth instead of store-bought.
- Add some heat: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vegetable mixture for a spicy kick.
- Make it cheesy: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese or shredded cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes before baking.
- Use different vegetables: Feel free to substitute other vegetables like mushrooms, green beans, or potatoes.
- Boost the protein: Add cooked crumbled bacon or sausage for extra flavor and protein.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when baking from cold.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
This delicious roast beef casserole is a fantastic example of a healthy meal that doesn't require hours in the kitchen. It's a perfect quick dinner idea for busy weeknights, and a delicious, satisfying dish for any occasion. Enjoy!