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Ever feel too exhausted to cook a hearty meal for your family after a long day?
Well, my Ranch Hand Casserole might just be the solution you’ve been seeking.
- The simple yet scrumptious ingredients needed
- A step-by-step guide to assembling and baking your casserole
- Helpful pairing suggestions to complete your meal
- My personal tips for making your casserole a family favorite
I first enjoyed this delicious casserole at a childhood friends home many years ago. Her mother was an outstanding cook and like a second mother to me. She served this dish for supper during one of the many sleepovers I had at her home, and I fell in love with it.
Fast forward to adulthood, and my friend’s sweet mother shared this recipe with me. Now, I not only love the flavor, but also the ease with which it comes together. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. The beauty of it is that while its short on prep, it’s not short on flavor.
Ingredients
Before we roll up our sleeves and start cooking, let’s make sure we have all our ingredients ready. Cooking should be fun, not a frantic race to the store! Here’s what you’ll need for this Ranch Hand Casserole:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar chunky spaghetti sauce (24 oz)
- 1 can mushrooms, drained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can crescent roll dough
This list might seem simple, but trust me, when these ingredients come together, they create a little magic in the kitchen. Make sure to grab quality ground beef for the best flavor, and don’t hesitate to pick your favorite brand of spaghetti sauce, making this dish truly your own. Now, with everything ready, let’s move on to putting our casserole together!
Here are some other posts you may enjoy:
- Southern Sweet Tea
- The Easiest Guacamole Recipe
- Japanese Salad
- Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole
- Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Miniature Pepper Jack Meatloaves
- Roasted Asparagus
- Garlic Dill Potatoes
- Deep South Mustard Greens
- Apple Cheesecake Crumble
- Coconut Cream Pie
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Alright, my fellow home chefs, let’s roll up our sleeves and turn these humble ingredients into a casserole that’ll make your heart sing. I promise, it’s easier than pie, and oh so rewarding. Here’s how we bring our Ranch Hand Casserole to life:
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). We want it nice and toasty for our casserole.
- In a large skillet, cook the *ground beef over medium heat until it’s evenly browned. *Pro Tip: Keep pre-browned ground beef in the refrigerator for busy days.
- Once the beef is browned, drain any excess grease. Return the beef to the pot, and stir in the spaghetti sauce and mushrooms. Let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce starts to thicken. The flavors will start to meld here, enhancing the taste.
- Spread the beef mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the sour cream and mozzarella cheese. If your sour cream is really thick and cold, you may want to microwave it for 20-25 seconds to knock the chill off before adding the cheese. This will thin it out slightly and make it easier to spread.
- Spread the sour cream/cheese mixture over the top of the casserole, making sure to cover the entire top of the beef mixture.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough and place it over the top of the casserole, making sure it reaches all the way to the edges of the dish. This is going to be our golden crown, the pièce de résistance that locks in all the flavors and textures.
- If you’d like for your crust to have a pretty shine, just brush the entire top of the crescent rolls with egg whites before baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden and baked through.
- Serve it immediately.
There you have it, my dear friends. A step-by-step guide to creating a Ranch Hand Casserole that’ll feed the soul and bring smiles to your dinner table. Remember, the secret ingredient is always love. Bon appétit!
Pairing Suggestions
When trying to save time in the kitchen, you need sides that are just as easy as your main dish. My favorite go-to is a garden salad. It’s simple and easy to put together, and can be as basic or elaborate as you choose. Another favorite side for busy days is my roasted asparagus. It’s not only delicious, but goes together in a snap!
Ranch Hand Casserole FAQs
What can I use instead of ground beef?
If you’re looking for an alternative to ground beef for the Ranch Hand Casserole, ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian meat substitute would work beautifully. These alternatives still offer a hearty base for the casserole while adjusting the flavor profile slightly.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, the Ranch Hand Casserole is a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, minus the crescent roll topping. Just prepare it up the the last step,cover it, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Put the crescent rolls on top right before popping it into the oven. Just remember, you’ll want to bring it to room temperature before baking, and you may need to increase the cooking time to 30-35 minutes. If your crescent rolls brown at the 15 minute mark, cover the dish with foil for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to keep the top from burning.
Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
For those who prefer or require a dairy-free option, you can substitute the sour cream and mozzarella cheese with your favorite dairy-free alternatives. Many stores offer excellent vegan cheeses and sour cream substitutes that would work perfectly in this casserole.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftover Ranch Hand Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply cover with aluminum foil and warm in the oven, or heat individual portions in the microwave until thoroughly warmed through.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or spinach not only increases the nutritional value of the Ranch Hand Casserole but also adds wonderful flavors and textures. Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies to customize the dish to your liking.
Ranch Hand Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. ground beef
- 24 oz. jar spaghetti sauce
- 4 oz. can of sliced mushrooms
- 8 oz. sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tubes of refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1 egg white
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef; drain well.
- Return the beef to the pot and stir in the mushrooms and spaghetti sauce.
- Continue cooking the beef and sauce over medium heat until the mixture begins to thicken.
- Pour the beef mixture into a 9″x13″ baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the sour cream and mozzarella cheese.
- Spread the sour cream mixture over the beef mixture, spreading to the edges.
- Unroll the crescent rolls and lay them flat over the top of the casserole, completely covering the top.
- Brush the top of the casserole with egg whites.
- Bake @ 350 for 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Ranch Hand Casserole
Serves: 8
| Amount Per Serving: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 890 kcal | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 55 g | 84.6% | |
| Saturated Fat 24 g | 120% | |
| Trans Fat 3 g | ||
| Cholesterol 142 mg | 47.3% | |
| Sodium 2,119 mg | 0.1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 59 g | 19.7% | |
| Dietary Fiber 4 g | 16% | |
| Sugars | ||
| Protein 40 g | ||
| Vitamin A 162 µg | Vitamin C 2 mg | |
| Calcium 380 mg | Iron 6 mg | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Polishing Pemberley
