Haystack Meal

A haystack meal beckons during game day, taco night or when hosting a casual dinner. This recipe is modeled after Tex-Mex flavors, but it’s far from the only variety of haystack. For example, Hawaiian haystacks and Amish haystacks are both popular, and then there’s the cookie version, like chocolate butterscotch haystacks. It’s all about improvising and finding a flavor combo you can’t wait to dig into.

While this recipe is done a la casserole, traditional haystacks are simply piled on the serving plate, one layer after the other. Feel free to choose whichever assemblage works for you.

Ingredients for a Haystack Meal

• Saltines: These salty, savory crackers will be the base layer in this dish. Feel free to substitute them for another cracker, but be sure they’re dry and crumbly so they can absorb the sauce in this haystack meal.
• Rice: We suggest using a long grain rice like jasmine, basmati or long grain white rice. This way, it too can soak up the flavors from the sauce.
• Ground beef: Because ground beef has an intensely savory flavor, it stands up well to all the other ingredients in this dish. That said, if you prefer ground chicken, pork or turkey, go right ahead.
• Onion: This ingredient cooks right alongside the beef, so you don’t have to go out of your way too much. That said, you can also simply dice up some green onion and toss it on at the end.
• Tomato juice: Without tomato juice, this haystack meal would risk becoming too dry. What’s more, tomatoes pack a bunch of umami, or savory, flavor.
• Taco seasoning: A blend of spices like cumin, chili powder and dried coriander, homemade taco seasoning is easy to make and more economical than store bought.
• Seasoned salt, salt and pepper: A little seasoned salt and regular salt will boost the flavor of the other ingredients, while almost every savory recipe benefits from a shake or two of black pepper. If you want a milder option, we suggest white pepper.
• Butter: Rich and aromatic, butter is one of the essential ingredients to make the roux in this haystack meal recipe.
• All-purpose flour: Between the types of flour, all-purpose flour is one of the most versatile.
• Milk: For the creamiest roux, we recommend using whole milk. That said, 2% also works fine here.
• Cheese: This recipe calls for two types of cheese: one that’s processed, like Velveeta, and one for extra flavor, like cheddar.
• Lettuce: Fresh, shredded lettuce adds extra crunch and helps lighten up the rich creaminess of this haystack meal.
• Tomato: We recommend using plum or another meaty tomato to help avoid making this dish soggy.
• Olives: While we love topping this dish off with pimiento-stuffed olives, really any variety of olive that you like will work.
• Tortilla chips: Because the rest of this recipe has a Tex-Mex feel, tortilla chips are a great choice. That said, plain pita chips or Fritos also pair well.

Directions

Step 1: Create the base layer

Divide the crushed saltines between two ungreased 13×9-inch baking dishes. Top each with the cooked rice.

Step 2: Cook the meat sauce

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is no longer pink, then drain the excess liquid. Add the tomato juice, water and seasonings, then simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. When the meat sauce is ready, spoon it over the rice.

Step 3: Make the roux

In a large saucepan, melt the butter, then stir in the flour until smooth. Gradually add the milk, and bring the roux to a boil. Cook and stir until thickened, about two minutes.

Step 4: Add the cheese and garnish

Reduce the heat, and stir in the Velveeta cheese until melted. Pour the cheese sauce over the beef mixture, then top it with the lettuce, cheddar cheese, tomatoes and olives. Serve with chips.

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Haystack Meal Variations

• Include beans: Whether it’s black, pinto or refried beans, this ingredient not only mingles well in terms of flavor, but it also adds a helping of fiber and nutrients.
• Add a dose of chile: Whether you replace some of the tomato juice with enchilada sauce or simply place a dried chile in the saucepan as the meat sauce simmers, you can certainly add some great flavor with chiles.

How to Store a Haystack Meal

To store this recipe, it’s best to keep it in the serving dish so it doesn’t become messy. Use either a compatible lid or aluminum foil to cover the top, and keep it in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, remove only what you want to eat and warm it in either the microwave or the oven.

Can I freeze a haystack meal?

To freeze this dish, carefully transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, allow the haystack meal to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it.

Haystack Meal Tips

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What is a haystack food?

A haystack meal gets its name for how it’s layered, and in fact, it’s similar in spirit to a seven-layer dip. As you can tell, the name of the game here is the more ingredients, the merrier.

Why is it called Hawaiian haystack?

Interestingly, some haystack meal recipes date back to when Mormon missionaries spent time on the Hawaiian islands. While the ingredients can vary, chicken, cheese and chow mein noodles are often considered essential to a Hawaiian haystack.

What are three items to serve with dip?

This haystack is similar to many dip recipes, but it tends to be more hearty than most. So if you’d like to make this the entree of a meal, we suggest slimming down some of the ingredients. From there, think grilled or seared meats and a big, green salad.