Company Beef Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family gatherings or potluck dinners. With a blend of savory ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and layered vegetables, it's a timeless casserole that brings people together. Its name likely comes from the idea that it’s “good enough for company”, filling, flavorful, and easy to scale for more guests. The addition of cheeses and seasoned vegetables gives this dish rich depth and a homestyle taste that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 1 onion (medium, diced)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp molasses
- 1 tsp instant bouillon
- ¾ cups water
- 6 oz frozen mixed vegetables
- 8 oz water chestnuts (drained)
- 8 oz bamboo shoots (sliced, drained)
- 11 oz mandarin oranges (drained)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 2 tbsp butter ( or cooking oil)
- 1 cup rice
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Rice
- Cook 1 cup of rice according to package directions. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- In a large skillet, heat butter or oil over medium heat.
- Add ground beef, diced onion, and garlic. Cook until beef is browned and onion is tender.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, cornstarch, molasses, bouillon, and water. Mix well.
Step 4: Combine & Simmer
- Pour sauce mixture into the skillet with beef.
- Stir in mixed vegetables, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts.
- Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
Step 5: Add Fruit & Finish
- Fold in drained mandarin oranges gently.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer another 5 minutes.
Step 6: Assemble & Serve
- Serve hot beef mixture over a bed of rice.
Tips
- Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Add fresh ginger or garlic for stronger Asian-inspired flavor.
- Use ramen, rice noodles, or white rice depending on preference.
- Stir in broccoli, snap peas, or carrots to boost veggies.
- Add a splash of rice vinegar or sesame oil before serving.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce saltiness.
- Replace canned ingredients with fresh vegetables when available.
- Serve with Mandarin oranges on top for brightness.
- Thicken sauce more with an additional teaspoon of cornstarch if desired.
- Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds.
Nutrition
Calories: 413kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 19gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 68mgSodium: 507mgPotassium: 516mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 1437IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 57mgIron: 3mg
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