Hearty Ranch Beef Casserole
Indulge in the comforting flavors of our Hearty Ranch Beef Casserole, a wholesome one-dish meal that brings together seasoned ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich tomato broth, all slow-cooked to perfection. Ideal for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe combines the earthy goodness of cabbage, carrots, potatoes, and celery, delivering a wholesome meal that nourishes both body and soul. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete dining experience.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (raw)
onion
1 medium (chopped)
cabbage
1/2 medium (coarsely chopped)
carrots
6 medium (cut in half)
celery ribs
2 (chopped)
potatoes
4 medium (cut in half)
chopped tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (canned)
chicken broth
1/2 cup (liquid)
salt
to taste (seasoning)
pepper
to taste (seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by lining the bottom of your slow cooker with half of the coarsely chopped cabbage to create a flavorful base.
2
Next, layer the cut potatoes, chopped celery, and halved carrots over the cabbage, ensuring an even distribution.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and shape the mixture into a loaf.
4
Carefully place the beef loaf on top of the layered vegetables in the slow cooker.
5
Top the beef loaf with the remaining half of the cabbage, which will help keep it moist during cooking.
6
Pour the canned chopped tomatoes and chicken broth over the entire mixture, ensuring everything is covered.
7
Season to taste with additional salt and pepper as desired.
8
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
9
Once cooked, serve warm and enjoy the hearty flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Ranch Beef Casserole?
It is a wholesome one-dish meal featuring seasoned ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich tomato broth, all slow-cooked to perfection.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include ground beef, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, celery, chopped tomatoes, and chicken broth.
How many servings does this casserole provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
How long should I cook the casserole on the low setting?
Cook the casserole on low for 8 hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
What is the cooking time on the high setting?
On the high setting, the casserole takes 4 hours to cook.
Do I need to brown the beef before putting it in the slow cooker?
No, the recipe calls for mixing raw ground beef with onion and seasonings, shaping it into a loaf, and placing it directly into the slow cooker.
What is the best way to layer the vegetables?
Start with a layer of cabbage, then add potatoes, celery, and carrots before placing the beef loaf on top.
How much ground beef is required?
You will need 1 lb of ground beef.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
Use one 28-ounce can of chopped tomatoes.
How much chicken broth is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of chicken broth.
How should the cabbage be prepared?
The cabbage should be coarsely chopped, with half placed on the bottom and half placed on top of the beef loaf.
What purpose does the top layer of cabbage serve?
The top layer of cabbage helps keep the beef loaf moist during the long cooking process.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The 6 medium carrots should be cut in half before layering.
How many potatoes are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 4 medium potatoes, cut in half.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is a complete one-dish meal containing meat, vegetables, and starch.
What sides are recommended with this casserole?
It is recommended to serve this dish with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad.
What seasonings are used?
The recipe uses salt and pepper to taste, mixed into the beef and sprinkled over the casserole.
What size onion is used?
One medium chopped onion is mixed into the ground beef.
How many celery ribs are needed?
You will need 2 chopped celery ribs.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
Yes, you should season the mixture to your personal taste preference.
Is this a family-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is described as ideal for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.
What kind of broth is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for chicken broth, but it combines with the tomato juice to create a rich broth.
How do I prepare the beef mixture?
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, salt, and pepper, then shape it into a loaf.
What is the first step in assembling the casserole?
The first step is lining the bottom of the slow cooker with half of the coarsely chopped cabbage.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include slow cooker, casserole, beef, vegetables, comfort food, and easy recipe.
Does the recipe require any special equipment?
You will need a slow cooker (crockpot) and a large mixing bowl.
Is the beef cooked as a loaf or crumbled?
The beef is shaped and cooked as a loaf on top of the vegetables.
When should I add the tomatoes and broth?
Pour the chopped tomatoes and chicken broth over the entire mixture after all the layers are assembled.
How should I serve the casserole?
Serve it warm once the slow cooker cycle is complete.
What is the overall flavor profile?
It offers earthy goodness from the vegetables and savory flavors from the seasoned beef and tomato broth.