Beef And Hominy Casserole Recipe
Diverse flavors in comforting dishes are what I love to explore, and this Beef and Hominy Casserole is a perfect example of a meal that combines hearty ingredients with bold seasonings. The main protein in this dish is ground beef, and it gets the treatment it deserves—browning richly in olive oil, first, and then with the sautéed aroma of onion and garlic.
The base of this dish could be used in myriad ways. You could serve it over rice or in a taco.
You could layer it with cheese and serve it with tortillas. You could do what I do and make a casserole.
To provide this casserole with its signature texture, I throw in a can of hominy, which contributes a delightful chewiness and a pure corn flavor that complements the other ingredients. I also love the spicy zing from the undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies, which infuses the casserole with a gentle heat.
For seasoning, my favorite combo involves ground cumin and chili powder. They go beautifully with the meat and tomatoes and create a nice warm, smoky effect.
A creamy, melted layer of shredded cheddar cheese, infused with the goodness of a rich, delightful flavor, crowns the top of my personal favorite casserole. I cannot think of anything better to offer my guests for a satisfying meal.
Casseroles in general are a dish to impress, congratulating you not only for their taste but also for their convenience. This recipe goes above and beyond: You will not only enjoy its flavor and healthful blend of ingredients, but also its simple steps and unfussy assembly.
Ingredients
Ground Beef:
Contains a significant amount of protein and amino acids.
Imparts a deep taste and flavor profile.
Hominy:
A good source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber, uniquely textured.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies:
Provides vitamins A and C.
Produces a zesty and a punchy taste.
Onion:
Comprises antioxidants.
Contributes sweetness and depth to the dish.
Garlic:
Recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Boosts flavor complexity.
Cheddar Cheese:
Delivers calcium and protein.
Adds creaminess and richness.
Ingredient Quantities
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- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) hominy, drained
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
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Instructions
1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to heat up.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Once the oil is warmed, add in the chopped onion and cook until softened, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until it gives off its wonderful aroma.
4. Turn the heat up to medium-high and put the ground beef in the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula, about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
5. Incorporate the drained hominy and the undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies into the mixture.
6. The combination needs seasoning: ground cumin, salt, and black pepper; and chili powder for heat and rich color. These spices are all so basic but so essential. And when you’ve got them in there and all nicely combined, you’ve got a seriously flavored base for whatever you’re making.
7. Spread the beef and hominy mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
8. Evenly over the top of the casserole, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese.
9. Preheat the oven. Bake in the oven that has been preheated for 20-25 minutes. Either set it to ‘bake’ or use the thermostat to choose ’25 degrees bubbling cheese.’
10. Take the dish out of the oven, and if you want, sprinkle some fresh cilantro over the top. Serve it warm, and enjoy!
Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. Large skillet
3. Stirring spoon or spatula
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Measuring spoons
7. 9×13-inch baking dish
8. Cheese grater (if cheese is not pre-shredded)
FAQ
- Q:Is it permissible to use a different kind of meat instead of ground beef? A: It is permissible, and actually a pretty good idea. Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be used in place of ground beef, and each brings a different flavor and texture to the dish.
- Q:What is hominy?
A: Treated to remove the hull and germ, hominy is a kind of corn. It can be found canned in most grocery stores. - Q:Can this casserole be made spicy?
Certainly! You can increase the chili powder or add cayenne pepper for an extra kick. - Q:Is it possible to make this in advance? A: Definitely! You can put this casserole together up to 48 hours in advance. Just cover it and stash it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, pop it in the oven.
- Q:What accompanies this casserole well? A: A fresh green salad or a side of tortilla chips and salsa complements this casserole nicely.
- Q:If I’m using a convection oven, how long should I bake? A: When using a convection oven, you should cut the time by about 15-20% or drop the temperature by 25 degrees Fahrenheit.