She Strengthens

Savory Plantation Casserole Recipe

A Hearty Dish Passed Down Through Generations

Get ready to indulge in a flavorful and nutritious Plantation Casserole, inspired by Gloria “Gigi” Smith’s family recipe. This dish is a perfect blend of spices, texture, and love, making it an ideal meal for any occasion.

Gather Your Ingredients

To make this mouthwatering casserole, you’ll need:

• 3 tablespoons of oil
• 3/4 cup of chopped onions
• 3/4 cup of chopped celery
• 3/4 cup of chopped green pepper
• 3 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 3 medium, hot chile peppers, seeded and chopped
• 1/2 pound of lean, organic ground beef
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 1 tablespoon of whole-wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon of curry powder
• 1/2 cup of beef broth
• 1/2 cup of low-fat milk
• Sea salt to taste
• 2 cups of homemade tomato sauce
• 4 cups of cooked brown rice
• 3/4 cup of coarsely chopped pecans
• 1 cup of shredded low-fat cheddar cheese

Let’s Get Cooking!

Step 1: Prepare the Skillet

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Heat the oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add Aromatics and Protein

Add the chopped celery, green pepper, garlic, hot peppers, and ground beef to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef loses its pink color, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Create the Curry Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Blend in the flour and curry powder, then gradually add the beef broth and milk, whisking continuously. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with sea salt to taste.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

Add the curry sauce, tomato sauce, brown rice, pecans, and half of the cheese to the vegetable mixture. Mix well and season with salt. Pour the mixture into an oiled casserole dish, sprinkle with the remaining cheese, and bake until the casserole is bubbly hot and the cheese on top has melted, about 25 minutes.

Savor the Flavor!

This Plantation Casserole is a true delight, packed with nutrients and flavor. With its perfect balance of spices, texture, and love, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So go ahead, gather your loved ones, and enjoy this heartwarming dish together!