Any Meat Casserole
A comforting meat casserole combining macaroni, cheese, and savory meat options, perfect for family dinners and versatile with various meats for a hearty, cheesy meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 pound grated or cubed cheese ⓘ
- 1 can tuna, salmon, luncheon meat, 1 pound wieners, 1 pound hamburger, or Vienna sausage ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions and drain.
- Combine soup, milk, chopped green pepper, chopped onion, and pepper in a saucepan and heat over low heat.
- Add grated or cubed cheese to the mixture, stirring occasionally until melted.
- Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese mixture.
- Pour half of the macaroni and cheese mixture into a casserole dish and top with your choice of meat.
- Add the remaining macaroni and cheese mixture on top.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce is bubbling.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or sour cream to the cheese mixture. You can easily substitute the meat with your preferred protein; shredded chicken or cooked sausage work well. If you're looking for a twist, try incorporating some spices like paprika or Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor. This casserole is versatile and can be customized with vegetables like spinach or peas.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple side salad for a refreshing contrast. Consider serving it with garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the creamy sauce. For a complete meal, add steamed vegetables or a fruit salad for a burst of color and nutrition. It’s also a great dish for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Any Meat Casserole contains roughly 323 calories, with 23g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (155% of the Daily Value), protein (46% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 783mg per serving (34% 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 use whole grain macaroni instead of regular?
Yes, whole grain macaroni can be used as a healthier alternative. It will give a nuttier flavor and more fiber. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as whole grain pasta may require a few extra minutes.
What can I do if my casserole is too dry?
If your casserole turns out too dry, consider adding a splash of milk or broth before baking. You can also top it with additional cheese or breadcrumbs mixed with a little butter to create a more appealing, moist topping.
Is there a vegetarian option for this casserole?
Absolutely! You can replace the meat with a variety of vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. Additionally, use a plant-based cheese or omit the cheese altogether and increase the cream of mushroom soup for creaminess.
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).