A Doodle Dandy
A hearty casserole combining fresh vegetables, cheese, and pasta with flavorful seasonings, perfect for a comforting family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup oil ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 3/4 cup minced onion ⓘ
- 1 1/3 cups diced celery
- 2 cups sliced fresh string beans ⓘ
- 3 cups cooked macaroni ⓘ
- 2 cups tomato juice ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 1 small can sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 3/4 cup grated cheese ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove crushed ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 1 can pitted and chopped olives ⓘ
- 1/4 cup canned milk ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook fresh vegetables in oil until tender.
- Combine all ingredients and pour into an oiled casserole dish.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider using zucchini or yellow squash in place of the green pepper for added flavor. If you don't have fresh string beans, frozen ones work well too. You can substitute the cheese with a dairy-free option for a vegan version. Remember to sauté the garlic briefly before adding to avoid bitterness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Doodle Dandy hot from the oven as a main dish or as a hearty side. It pairs beautifully with Baked Chicken-Amish Style for a comforting family meal. A fresh green salad or some crusty bread would complement this dish nicely, adding a refreshing touch and balancing the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat on medium power, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot, about 20-25 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of A Doodle Dandy contains roughly 675 calories, with 13g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (34% of the Daily Value), protein (26% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1246mg per serving (54% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Doodle Dandy a day in advance. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of tomato juice?
If you don’t have tomato juice on hand, you can substitute it with vegetable broth mixed with a little tomato paste for a similar flavor. Alternatively, crushed tomatoes can also work well, just adjust the liquid content accordingly.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, the Doodle Dandy is vegetarian-friendly, especially if you ensure that the cheese used is suitable for vegetarians. It’s a great option for those looking for wholesome vegetarian recipes that are both filling and delicious.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).