Haystack Meal

Total Time Prep/Total Time: 25 min.
Yield 2 casseroles (6 servings each)
Test Kitchen Approved
A haystack meal is nothing if not hearty. What's more, it's a truly no-fuss dish, so it's an approachable recipe for just about any home cook.

Ingredients

  • 1-3/4 cups crushed saltines (about 40 crackers)
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 3 pounds ground beef
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1-1/2 cups tomato juice
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • Seasoned salt, salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup butter, cubed
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 pound process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
  • 4 cups shredded lettuce
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 3 medium tomatoes, diced
  • 1 jar (10 ounces) pimiento-stuffed olives
  • 1 package (14-1/2 ounces) tortilla chips

Directions

  1. Divide crackers between 2 ungreased 13x9-in. baking dishes. Top each with rice.
  2. In a large skillet, cook beef and onion until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add the tomato juice, water and seasonings; simmer for 15-20 minutes. Spoon over rice.
  3. In a large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes.
  4. Reduce heat; stir in Velveeta cheese until melted. Pour over beef mixture. Top with lettuce, cheddar cheese, tomatoes and olives. Serve with chips. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 888 calories, 55g fat (24g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 1746mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 41g protein.

Served as the main dish at our family reunion buffet, this flavorful layered taco-style dish was a true crowd-pleaser. Folks were pleasantly surprised to find a rice layer, and everyone enjoys the creamy cheese sauce. —Jill Steiner, Hancock, Minnesota
Recipe Creator

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