Kids Cook Monday - Seven Layer Casserole
An Easy, One Pot Meal
An Easy and Tasty Casserole
Great for Kids
This dish was often brought to church bazaars and potlucks when we were growing up. The only thing to remember is that it's in layers, so dig deep! The bacon on top looks yummy so best to have an adult serve it. On the bottom is corn and rice, with hamburger, spices and tomato sauce.
We always made this dish in a 2 quart baking dish (oval shaped, though it doesn't need to be). The tight fitting glass lid was required for the first hour, then removed later to brown the bacon strips.
This is the kind of dish that takes a few minutes to prepare, put it in then oven, and nearly forget about it until the dish is finished baking.
Because it's a starchy meat dish, a nice crisp green salad on the side adds a lot in perking it up and making the meal go down in the most delightful way.
It's OK to use a little less meat - 3/4 lb. is plenty, depending what's on hand and who is eating with you. I made the nutritional information for 1 lb., however, so reduce the calories by about 250 if you end up using a quarter pound less hamburger.
Have fun and bon appetit!
Cook Time
Corn - an American classic
Ingredients for the One Pot Casserole
- 1 cup rice, uncooked
- 1 can 1-lb. whole kernel corn, drained
- 2 cans 8 oz. tomato sauce
- 1 lb. hamburger
- 4 strips bacon
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onions, OPTIONAL
- 1/2 cup fnely chopped green bell pepper, OPTIONAL
Basic Ingredients - Delicous Combination
Instructions
- Start heating the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Begin layering ingredients in a two quart, tight fitting casserole dish or any other baking dish with a tight fitting lid:
- 1 cup uncooked rice, evenly laid - this is your foundation layer, 1 can whole kernel corn, drained, and a sprinkling of salt and ground pepper.
- Douse this with one 8-oz can tomato sauce and 1/2 can water.
- Next step may be omitted: but if you like, add 1/2 cup finely chopped onion and 1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper. Some small children take offense at these ingredients - feel free to add them to adult servings.
- Now, the hamburger. Crumble and evenly place the hamburger meat in the casserole dish. Now add salt and pepper, followed by 4 strips of bacon, cut in half. When it is cooked it will be easier to serve.
- Place the lid on the casserole and begin baking. The dish requires 1-1/2 hours baking time, one hour covered and 1/2 hour uncovered. Set the timer for one hour so you won't forget to remove the lid.
- After an hour remove the lid and set the timer once again for 20 or 30 minutes. You may need less time than 1/2 hour. The bacon should be crisp. There should be a lovely aroma in the house by now. Let cool for a few minutes in order to solidify, then serve, dipping down deep to catch all seven layers.
Calories and other things
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Serving size: One Plate | |
Calories | 350 |
Calories from Fat | 162 |
% Daily Value * | |
Fat 18 g | 28% |
Saturated fat 7 g | 35% |
Carbohydrates 21 g | 7% |
Sugar 7 g | |
Protein 20 g | 40% |
Cholesterol 71 mg | 24% |
* The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so your values may change depending on your calorie needs. The values here may not be 100% accurate because the recipes have not been professionally evaluated nor have they been evaluated by the U.S. FDA. |
Recommended for Potlucks and Families
With the strips of bacon temptingly placed on top, meat eaters of all ages will have mouthwatering looks at this great casserole dish. It's not a bad idea to have someone serve them by digging deep to get ALL the seven layers, lol.
It can be served hot or slightly cooled down for a very tasty and convenient meal. Great for working parents, it can be prepared well in advance and prepared just in time for a dinner.