Beef Casserole With Water Chestnuts
A hearty beef casserole combining tender ground beef, water chestnuts, olives, and mushrooms in a creamy sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 med. onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, pressed ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. pepper
- 4.5 oz. can chopped ripe olives ⓘ
- 5 oz. can water chestnuts, sliced ⓘ
- 4 - 5 oz. thin noodles ⓘ
- 4 oz. can mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 10.5 oz. can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1/4 C. dry red wine (optional) ⓘ
- 2 C. dairy sour cream ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute ground beef with chopped onion and pressed garlic until browned.
- Drain off excess fat from the meat mixture.
- Cook the thin noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, beef mixture, chopped olives, sliced water chestnuts, drained mushrooms, and cream of chicken soup.
- Add dry red wine if using, and mix well.
- Stir in sour cream until evenly incorporated.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional olives or herbs if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your beef casserole, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or some chopped bell peppers. Substituting ground turkey or chicken can create a lighter dish, while using whole wheat noodles adds extra fiber. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try using lentils or a meat substitute in place of ground beef.
Serving Suggestions
This beef casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it with crusty bread to soak up any delicious sauce. For a comforting twist, it also complements well with baked potatoes or a side of roasted Brussels sprouts.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Casserole With Water Chestnuts contains roughly 625 calories, with 20g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (47% of the Daily Value), protein (40% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 all the ingredients in the casserole dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can create a simple white sauce using butter, flour, and chicken broth. Alternatively, use cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile, or opt for a dairy-free version made from cashews blended with broth.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes into the beef mixture. You could also add a dash of hot sauce or serve with a spicy salsa on the side for those who enjoy a kick in their dishes.
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).