Anytime Casserole
A hearty, cheesy casserole combining seasoned ground beef, macaroni, and Mexican-style corn, perfect for quick weeknight dinners and satisfying family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef until crumbly; drain well.
- Add Sloppy Joes seasoning mix, water, tomato paste, and corn to the beef.
- Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Cook macaroni according to package directions; rinse well with cold water.
- Combine cooked macaroni with the meat mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a buttered 2-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle grated cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on the classic flavor, consider adding diced green bell peppers or onions when browning the ground beef. If you're short on time, you can substitute the ground beef with cooked shredded chicken or turkey. To spice it up, add a dash of hot sauce or use spicy cheese. This dish is versatile, similar to American recipes like Uncle Bob's Hot Dog Chili.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but you can serve it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For an extra kick, pair it with Hot Cheesy Dip for a delightful contrast. It also works well alongside corn on the cob or steamed broccoli for a balanced dinner.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For reheating, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in individual portions. Adding a splash of water before reheating can help maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Anytime Casserole contains roughly 482 calories, with 22g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (228% of the Daily Value), protein (44% of the Daily Value), and iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1384mg per serving (60% 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 up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through.
What can I substitute for the macaroni?
If you don't have macaroni, you can use other pasta shapes such as penne or rotini. For a gluten-free option, try using quinoa or gluten-free pasta. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or a meat substitute like tempeh or tofu. You can also add more vegetables, such as diced zucchini or mushrooms, to enhance the flavor and texture.
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).