Always Good Casserole
A hearty casserole combining seasoned ground beef, noodles, and melted mozzarella, baked to perfection. Ideal for family dinners or feeding a crowd with rich, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 green pepper, cut in strips ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 1/2 to 2 lb lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 tsp seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp sugar ⓘ
- pinch of oregano ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb) can whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) package wide noodles (uncooked) ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) package shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion, green pepper, and butter until tender.
- Add ground beef and cook until lightly browned and no longer pink.
- Stir in seasoned salt, pepper, sugar, and oregano.
- Add whole tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water; bring to a boil.
- Transfer the mixture to a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Layer uncooked noodles over the meat mixture, then add a second layer of sauce, meat, and noodles, ensuring noodles are well covered.
- Top with shredded Mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, consider adding minced garlic or diced mushrooms to the sautéed vegetables. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, and if you're short on time, pre-cooked noodles can be used. Adjust seasoning based on your preference; for instance, adding a dash of hot sauce can give it a kick.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone but pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A side of garlic bread can also complement the dish nicely. For those looking for variety, browse more American recipes that feature ground beef for additional inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in individual portions until hot. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Always Good Casserole contains roughly 486 calories, with 2g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), iron (24% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 723mg per serving (31% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it completely, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of wide noodles?
If you don’t have wide noodles on hand, you can substitute with any type of pasta like penne or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as needed, making sure the pasta is covered with sauce to cook properly in the oven.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute like crumbled tempeh or tofu. Ensure to season well and add extra vegetables to enhance the flavor. This will create a satisfying and hearty casserole while keeping it meat-free.
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).