Beef And Hominy Casserole Recipe

ByDave Simpson

One of my favorite comfort foods to whip up is a Beef and Hominy Casserole. This casserole combines rich, beefy flavors with earthy, savory spices.

I always start with a pound of good, browned beef, mixed with half an onion. I like how the mild depth of the onion flavors the beef as it and the beef get cooked all the way through.

To the beef and onion mixture, I add several minced cloves of garlic and a diced red bell pepper, which add not only a good color but also a good aroma to the dish. I don’t think the casserole would be half as good without these add-ins, which are sort of standard in a beefy Tex-Mex dish.

A can of tomato sauce, mixed with spices such as chili powder and ground cumin, ties the casserole together. The warm and comforting kick I absolutely love is imparted by these ingredients, plus a judicious amount of salt and pepper that allows the flavors to shine.

I also can’t omit the melted cheese that covers the top. I used a sharp cheddar, which I think is perfect with these flavors because it melts well, gets gooey, and offers a little kick of flavor itself.

This dish is incredibly satisfying. It’s also surprisingly nutritious, offering a good amount of protein and fiber, not to mention a variety of vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients photo for Beef And Hominy Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

Ingredients photo for Beef And Hominy Casserole Recipe

Ground beef: High in protein and iron, it supplies a marvelous meaty flavor.

Onion: Delivers fiber and antioxidants; enhances flavor.

Garlic: Contains allicin, and may support heart health.

Vitamin A and C are abundant in red bell pepper; it also brings a sweetness that’s hard to beat.

Hominy: Source of carbohydrates and fiber for healthy diets.

Sauce made from tomatoes: Provides umami as well as lycopene.

Chili powder: Increases metabolism, contributes heat and depth.

Cumin: A spice with a powerful aromatic quality that assists in digestion.

Cheddar Cheese: Supplies creaminess and calcium.

Ingredient Quantities

  • 1 pound ground beef

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped

  • 1 can (15 ounces) hominy, drained

  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until done, about 5-7 minutes. I use an oil-free pan because my beef always has excess fat. I just can’t help it. If you have a huge amount of fat in your ground beef, drain it. If you have a small amount, don’t drain it because you want some fat in the burger for flavor.

3. The skillet should contain the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped red bell pepper. Allow them to accompany you in a slow cook of 3 to 5 minutes. The time will give you a chance to engage with the vegetables’ softness. You will be left with a set of tender, flavorful companions for your forthcoming dish.

4. Mix all the ingredients well to combine them. The ingredients are as follows: drained hominy, tomato sauce, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.

5. Allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly for 5 minutes in a low-temperature simmer.

6. Evenly spread the beef mixture in a casserole dish that has been greased.

7. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole.

8. Preheat the oven to the degrees indicated. Bake in the oven that has been prepared to whatever temperature is called for in the recipe you are using. Set a timer for 20-25 minutes. The dish you are preparing is done when the cheese, if the dish includes cheese, is melted and bubbly.

9. Take the casserole out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.

10. Warm nuoc cham and the accompanying garnishes make a worthy dish on their own. Drizzled over a bed of rice, the next step is to simply enjoy. Of course, pouring or drizzling over the rice is hardly the only option. For a truly decadent treat, the next step could be to plop some warmed up sweet sesame sauce over the top before digging in.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Large skillet
3. Stove
4. Wooden spoon or spatula
5. Cutting board
6. Knife
7. Can opener
8. Measuring spoons
9. Casserole dish
10. Oven mitts
11. Timer

FAQ

  • Can I substitute ground beef with another type of meat?You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef when you want a leaner option.

  • What is hominy, and where can I find it?Dried corn kernels that have had their hulls removed are known as hominy. Most grocery stores have the product in their canned goods section.

  • How can I make this casserole spicier?If you want even more heat, increase the chili powder or add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.

  • Can this casserole be made ahead of time?Certainly! Preparing the casserole ahead of time is perfectly fine. You may refrigerate it for up to 24 hours prior to baking.

  • Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?Certainly! A plant-based meat alternative can be used in place of the beef, along with even more veggies or beans to make it so hearty, delicious, and nutritious it will satisfy the pickiest eaters.

  • How do I store leftovers? Refrigerate any leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

  • Can I freeze the casserole?You can freeze the cooked casserole for as long as 3 months. Reheat it in the oven until it is thoroughly heated.

Substitutions and Variations

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used in place of ground beef for a lighter option.
Green bell pepper or poblano pepper can replace red bell pepper and yield a different flavor profile.
You can substitute canned hominy for canned corn or black beans to vary the texture and flavor.
A mix of paprika and cayenne pepper can be used instead of chili powder for a similar spicy kick.
Monterey Jack cheese or Colby cheese can serve as substitutes for Cheddar cheese if you desire a different kind of cheesy flavor.