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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
