Minnesota Auction Block Casserole
A hearty, layered casserole featuring ground beef, corn, and melted cheese, built like a winning bid at a local estate auction. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 55 minutes pairs ground beef (80% lean), frozen corn kernels, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1/2 cup, diced yellow onion
- 1/2 cup, diced bell pepper
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp, melted unsalted butter
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat; cook 1 lb ground beef until browned and no longer pink, breaking into small pieces with a spoon, then drain excess fat.
- Step 2: Add 1/2 cup diced onion and 1/2 cup diced bell pepper to the skillet; cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup thawed corn kernels, 14 oz can crushed tomatoes, and 1/2 cup chicken broth; simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 4: Season with 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Step 5: Mix 1/2 cup breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp melted butter until evenly moistened, then sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Step 6: Top with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and edges are golden brown.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Minnesota Auction Block Casserole take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Minnesota Auction Block Casserole?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef (80% lean) from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Minnesota Auction Block Casserole?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Minnesota Auction Block Casserole for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Minnesota Auction Block Casserole?
American one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
