Here is a big, delightful recipe dedicated to the “Casserole Queen,” featuring a classic 7-Layer Casserole that is sure to earn you that crown.
đź‘‘ The Casserole Queen’s 7-Layer Wonder
“Made this once… suddenly everyone thinks I’m the casserole queen. One bite explains everything.”
There is something magical about a dish that layers simple, humble ingredients into a symphony of flavor. This recipe is a tribute to the unsung heroes of the kitchen—the grandmothers and home cooks who, with a limited budget and a hungry family to feed, invented the magic of the one-pot meal. This 7-Layer Casserole is more than just food; it’s a warm hug on a plate, a bubbling cauldron of comfort that fills your home with an aroma that says, “You are loved.” It’s the dish that turns a simple dinner into a legacy, earning you the rightful title of Casserole Queen (or King) with every single serving .
đź“ś A Brief History of the Casserole
The story of the casserole begins not with the food, but with the vessel itself. The word traces back to the ancient Greek word kuathion, meaning “little cup,” which evolved into the Old French casse (pan) and eventually the diminutive casserole . By the 18th century, it referred to both the deep, oven-safe dish and the food cooked within it .
The modern casserole, particularly in America, has roots in the practical, economical cooking of the 19th and 20th centuries. Cast iron cookware, like the Dutch oven, was a prized possession for settlers and pioneers due to its durability and versatility . As mentioned in a family blog, grandmothers with “7 kids to feed on a slim budget made casseroles a lot” . This recipe is a direct descendant of that tradition—a testament to the fact that you don’t need expensive ingredients to create something extraordinary .
đź›’ Ingredients
This recipe serves 6-8 hearty appetites. It’s a flexible template, so feel free to make it your own!
Layer Ingredient Quantity Notes
1 Potatoes 4 cups, sliced Russet or Yukon Gold work best. Slice them thinly (about 1/8-inch) for even cooking.
2 Onion 1 large, diced Yellow or white onion provides a savory base.
3 Carrots 3 cups, sliced Peel and slice them into thin rounds.
4 Uncooked Rice 1/3 cup Long-grain white rice is traditional. Do not pre-cook it.
5 Peas 1 can (15 oz), with juice The juice from the peas adds extra flavor and moisture. You can also use 1.5 cups of frozen peas, thawed, mixed with 1/2 cup of water.
6 Ground Beef 1 lb Formed into small, bite-sized meatballs. This gives the casserole a lovely texture.
7 The “Sauce” 1 can (10.5 oz) tomato soup This is the classic “glue” that brings everything together.
1 can (10.5 oz) water Use the empty soup can to measure.
Seasoning:
· Salt and pepper, to taste
👩‍🍳 Instructions: Assembling Your Crown
This recipe is a “set it and forget it” dream. The method is as simple as the ingredients.
1. Prep the Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This ensures easy serving and clean-up.
2. Make the Magic Sauce: In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix together the can of tomato soup and 1 can of water. Stir until combined and set aside .
3. Form the Meatballs: While not strictly necessary, forming the ground beef into small, 1-inch balls is a signature step in this classic recipe. It prevents the meat from clumping into one large mass and creates delightful little pockets of flavor .
4. Layer Like a Queen: This is where the “7-layer” magic happens. In your greased 9×13 dish, layer the ingredients in the following exact order :
· Layer 1: Sliced potatoes (spread evenly across the bottom).
· Layer 2: Diced onion.
· Layer 3: Sliced carrots.
· Layer 4: Uncooked rice.
· Layer 5: Canned peas with their juice.
· Layer 6: The small beef meatballs.
5. Season and Drench: Sprinkle the layers generously with salt and pepper. Then, gently and evenly pour the tomato soup mixture over the entire casserole. Don’t stir! The layers are meant to stay separate as they cook. Sprinkle the top once more with a little salt .
6. The Long, Slow Bake: This is the most important step. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps the steam, which slowly cooks the rice and tenderizes the vegetables. Bake for 2 hours at 350°F .
7. Rest and Serve: Carefully remove the foil (watch out for the hot steam!). Let the casserole rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle. Scoop out a portion to reveal the beautiful layers and serve warm.
✨ Benefits & Nutrition
While this is undeniably comfort food, it also offers some nutritional perks, making it a balanced meal in a single dish.
· A Complete Meal: It contains protein from the beef, carbohydrates for energy from the potatoes and rice, and a serving of vegetables from the carrots and peas .
· Vitamins and Minerals:
· Carrots are an excellent source of Vitamin A, which is vital for good vision and a healthy immune system.
· Peas contribute Vitamin C and K, as well as dietary fiber for digestive health .
· Potatoes are a great source of potassium, a mineral many people don’t get enough of, which helps counteract the effects of sodium and can aid in preventing hypertension .
· The “Soup” Factor: Using a can of soup as a base is a classic technique that creates a rich, creamy sauce without the need for making a complex roux or adding excessive amounts of butter and cream. This makes it a relatively light yet satisfying meal.
Approximate Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 8 servings):
· Calories: 350-400
· Protein: 18-22g
· Fat: 15-18g
· Carbohydrates: 35-40g
· Fiber: 5g
· Sodium: 600-800mg (can be reduced by using low-sodium soup)
Note: These are estimates and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
đź’– A Final Word for Casserole Lovers
The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity and its soul. It’s a forgiving recipe. You can swap the meatballs for ground turkey, add a layer of corn, or sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top in the last 15 minutes of baking . It’s the kind of meal that tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have all night to get to know each other .
This is for the lovers of tradition, the lovers of comfort, and the lovers of a standing ovation at the dinner table. So go ahead, put on your frilliest apron, and preheat that oven. Your reign as the Casserole Queen is about to begin .
