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Christmas Eve Casserole Recipe Christmas Eve Casserole Recipe

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Christmas Eve Casserole Recipe

This Christmas Eve Casserole is a hearty mix of ground beef, onions, garlic, tomato sauce, peas, rice, and cheddar cheese, baked to perfection. Perfect for a cozy holiday dinner!

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This Christmas Eve Casserole is a cozy, comforting dish perfect for a festive night. Imagine the aroma of ground beef sizzling with onions and garlic, mingling with the rich tomato sauce and sweet peas. Topped with gooey cheddar cheese, this hearty casserole is a crowd-pleaser. Simple to make, yet bursting with flavor, it’s the perfect dish to gather around with loved ones. Let’s dive in!

Christmas Eve Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup chopped onions
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until onions are translucent.
  4. Stir in tomato sauce and frozen peas. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice and beef mixture. Mix well.
  6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

What You Will Need

What you will need to make Christmas Eve Casserole

  • Ground beef: Adds hearty flavor and protein, making the casserole filling and satisfying for a festive meal.
  • Chopped onions: Provides a sweet, savory base that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
  • Garlic: Infuses the casserole with a rich, aromatic depth, complementing the beef and tomato sauce.
  • Tomato sauce: Brings a tangy, rich flavor that ties all the ingredients together in a cohesive dish.
  • Frozen peas: Adds a pop of color and a slight sweetness, balancing the savory elements.
  • Cooked rice: Acts as a hearty base, absorbing flavors and adding texture to the casserole.
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts on top, creating a gooey, delicious crust that enhances the overall flavor.

Tools and Instruments Required

What tools/instruments will be needed to make Christmas Eve Casserole Recipe

  • Skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and sautéing onions and garlic, ensuring flavors meld together perfectly.
  • Mixing bowl: Needed to combine cooked rice with the beef mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
  • Baking dish: Used to bake the casserole, allowing it to cook evenly and the cheese to melt perfectly.
  • Oven: Crucial for baking the casserole, ensuring it’s cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Christmas Eve Casserole Recipe

A hearty and comforting casserole perfect for Christmas Eve.
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Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Total Time 1 hr
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking Dish
  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients:  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb Ground beef
  • 1 cup Chopped onions
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 can Tomato sauce (15 oz)
  • 1 cup Frozen peas
  • 2 cups Cooked rice
  • 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions: 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
  • Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until onions are translucent.
  • Stir in tomato sauce and frozen peas. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice and beef mixture. Mix well.
  • Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes:

Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra flavor.

Nutrition value:

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Keywords:

Keyword Casserole, Christmas
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions

Make Ahead Instructions

  1. Cook ground beef, onions, and garlic as directed.
  2. Mix with tomato sauce, peas, and rice.
  3. Let the mixture cool completely.
  4. Transfer to a baking dish, cover tightly with foil.
  5. Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
  6. When ready to bake, top with cheese and follow baking instructions.

Freezing Instructions

  1. Prepare the casserole as directed but don't bake.
  2. Let it cool completely.
  3. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then foil.
  4. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
  5. To bake, thaw in the fridge overnight.
  6. Remove plastic wrap, top with cheese, and bake as directed.

Adding a pinch of cinnamon to the ground beef while cooking can give this Christmas Eve Casserole a subtle, warm flavor that complements the tomato sauce beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ:
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely, prepare it up to the baking step and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?
Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend.
Can I add other vegetables?
Sure, bell peppers, carrots, or corn are great additions.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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