Bernie'S Ugly Green Stuff
A hearty, vegetable-rich casserole with savory sausage, cheese, and crunchy toppings, perfect for family dinners or potlucks craving comfort and flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 frozen bag chopped spinach ⓘ
- 1 frozen bag chopped kale ⓘ
- 1 frozen bag chopped broccoli ⓘ
- 1 frozen bag chopped cauliflower
- 1 chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 bag croutons ⓘ
- 1 can fried onions ⓘ
- 1 pound chopped mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 pound raisins ⓘ
- 1 pound nuts
- 2 pounds shredded mozzarella ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped spinach, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, chopped onion, chopped celery, chopped mushrooms, raisins, nuts, and chopped Italian sausage and hamburger if desired.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup until well mixed.
- Season with coarse pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Add croutons and fried onions on top for crunch.
- Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Remove from oven and let stand for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the mixture. If you want to reduce carbs, substitute the croutons with crushed pork rinds. You can also use fresh vegetables instead of frozen for a fresher flavor. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, like cheddar, for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Bernie’s Ugly Green Stuff as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats, such as Butterfly Pork Chops, or as a vegetarian main course. It pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it with crusty bread or rolls.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes, or microwave in intervals until hot. Avoid overheating to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bernie'S Ugly Green Stuff contains roughly 923 calories, with 51g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (101% of the Daily Value), potassium (46% of the Daily Value), and calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1739mg per serving (76% 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 fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh vegetables, but you'll need to cook them slightly before mixing to ensure they soften and blend well. This will enhance the flavors and prevent excess moisture, which frozen vegetables may release.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit any meat, such as sausage or hamburger, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if you choose to add any liquid. The dish is still flavorful and satisfying without meat.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to add the croutons and fried onions just before baking to keep them crunchy.
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).