Savory Harvest Squash and Beef Bake
Savor the flavors of summer with this Savory Harvest Squash and Beef Bake, a delightful casserole packed with the vibrant freshness of bright yellow summer squash and tender green zucchini. This dish is perfect for using up your garden bounty at the end of the season. Rich, hearty ground beef adds protein, while a creamy, cheesy combination binds everything together in a comforting dish. With its subtle seasoning, this casserole strikes a balance between deliciously light and satisfying. Whether served as a side dish or a hearty main course, this recipe is sure to be a family favorite, bringing warmth and comfort to your table.
8
Servings
277
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
crookneck summer squash
1 small (unpeeled, sliced into thick rounds)
green zucchini
1 small (unpeeled, sliced into thick rounds)
water
1/4 cup
butter or margarine
1/4 cup (or less, to taste)
lean ground beef
1/2 lb
sweet onion
1 cup (chopped (such as Vidalia, Walla Walla, or Maui))
large eggs
2
Miracle Whip or mayonnaise
1/2 cup ((light is OK))
cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
cooked hot white rice
2 cups ((e.g., Jasmine or long grain))
Ritz cracker crumbs
1/2 cup ((or less to taste))
salt and pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a small pot, cook the sliced yellow squash and zucchini with 1/4 cup of water over medium heat until tender but not mushy, about 5-7 minutes. Drain and return the squash to the pot.
2
Add the butter (or margarine) to the pot with the squash and let it melt. Sauté the squash mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally over medium to medium-low heat until the flavors meld.
3
Meanwhile, in a large deep skillet, spray with nonstick cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onions, cooking until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Drain any excess fat from the beef mixture and season it with salt and pepper to taste.
5
Using a slotted spoon, add the sautéed squash to the beef mixture and reduce the heat to low.
6
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and whisk in the Miracle Whip (or mayonnaise) until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir well to combine.
7
Stir in the cheddar cheese and the cooked white rice, mixing until everything is evenly distributed.
8
Transfer the mixture into a large oval casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the Ritz cracker crumbs on top until the surface is covered.
9
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the topping is lightly golden.
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
27g
Carbs
13g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Harvest Squash and Beef Bake?
It is a hearty summer casserole featuring yellow squash, zucchini, ground beef, rice, and a cheesy, creamy binder topped with Ritz cracker crumbs.
What types of squash are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses one small crookneck summer squash and one small green zucchini.
Do I need to peel the squash and zucchini?
No, the recipe specifies that they should be unpeeled and sliced into thick rounds.
How much ground beef is required?
You will need 1/2 lb of lean ground beef.
What kind of onion is recommended?
Sweet onions such as Vidalia, Walla Walla, or Maui are recommended for this dish.
Can I use mayonnaise instead of Miracle Whip?
Yes, you can use either Miracle Whip or mayonnaise, and light versions are also acceptable.
What kind of rice should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of cooked hot white rice, such as Jasmine or long grain.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 277 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 13g of protein.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 13g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 27g of carbohydrates per serving.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the casserole bake?
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the topping is golden.
What is used for the crunchy topping?
The topping is made using 1/2 cup of Ritz cracker crumbs.
How do I cook the squash initially?
Cook the sliced squash and zucchini in 1/4 cup of water over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until tender.
Should I drain the water after boiling the squash?
Yes, drain the water before adding butter to the pot.
How long should I sauté the squash in butter?
Sauté the squash mixture for about 10 minutes until the flavors meld.
How do I prepare the beef and onions?
Sauté the beef and onions in a skillet until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, which takes 5-7 minutes.
Is it necessary to drain the beef fat?
Yes, the instructions recommend draining any excess fat from the beef mixture.
How many eggs are used in the binder?
The recipe uses 2 large eggs.
What type of cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
How should the eggs and Miracle Whip be prepared?
Whisk the eggs and Miracle Whip together in a separate bowl until the mixture is smooth.
What kind of dish should I use for baking?
A large oval casserole dish is recommended for this bake.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either butter or margarine.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 12 ingredients in total for this recipe.
What seasonings are added?
Salt and pepper are added to taste.
Is this dish considered a main course or a side?
It can be served as either a hearty main course or a satisfying side dish.
When is the best time to make this recipe?
It is ideal for late summer when garden squash and zucchini are in abundance.
Is it okay to use less than 1/2 cup of cracker crumbs?
Yes, you can use 1/2 cup or less to your personal taste.