Looking for a hearty and delicious casserole that’s quick and easy to make? Look no further than this “I Don’t Care” casserole recipe! This delicious dish is perfect for those nights when you just don’t feel like cooking, but still want something filling and tasty. With a mix of meat, rice, and vegetables, this casserole is sure to satisfy your hunger and leave you feeling satisfied.
Table of Contents:
List of Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 can French fried onions
- 1 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 F (175 C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked.
- Add the can of cream of mushroom soup and 1 cup of water to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in 1 cup of uncooked white rice and 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables to the skillet, mixing everything together well.
- Transfer the entire mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top the casserole with a can of French fried onions, spreading them out evenly over the top of the mixture.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the casserole is heated through.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the French fried onions are crispy and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions and Variations:
This casserole is perfect on its own, but you could serve it alongside a green salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also switch up the vegetables in this dish based on what you have on hand. Try using frozen peas, corn, or broccoli for a different twist.
Tips and Notes:
- This casserole can easily be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven or microwave. If you’re short on time, you can also use leftover rice instead of cooking it from scratch.
- If you’re looking to make this dish a bit healthier, you can try using ground turkey instead of beef, or swap out the cream of mushroom soup for a lower-fat cream soup.
- Feel free to add some grated cheese on top of the casserole before baking for an extra cheesy twist.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice instead of white rice. Just note that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may need to adjust the baking time accordingly.
2. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Brown the beef and add everything to the slow cooker, stirring well. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours, until the rice is fully cooked.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers of this casserole. Just store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
4. What other vegetables could I use in this recipe?
You could try using different frozen vegetables such as peas, corn, or broccoli. You could also add in some fresh vegetables like diced bell peppers or onions.
5. Can I omit the French fried onions?
Yes, you can omit the French fried onions if you prefer. The casserole will still be delicious without them.
Wrapping Up
This “I Don’t Care” casserole is the perfect dish for a quick and easy meal. With simple ingredients and a flavorful mix of meat, rice, and vegetables, this casserole is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Whether you’re short on time or just not in the mood to cook, this recipe is a must-try.
