Best Goop Ever
A hearty, cheesy casserole with ground beef, noodles, olives, and a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crunchy crumbs—perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry ground beef with chopped onion until browned.
- Cook egg noodles; drain.
- Stir Velveeta cheese into hot noodles until melted and blended.
- Pour the noodle mixture into a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Add ground beef mixture, chopped green pepper, milk, sliced olives, and cream of mushroom soup to the noodles in the pan.
- Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs or crushed potato chips on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute lean ground turkey for the beef and use low-fat cheese. You can also replace the egg noodles with whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles for a healthier twist. Adding a pinch of garlic powder or Italian seasoning can enhance the flavor profile. If you're short on time, pre-cooked or frozen vegetables can be used instead of fresh.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. This dish pairs beautifully with Chiligetti for a fun twist. You can also top it with extra sliced olives or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley for added freshness. It's perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Goop Ever contains roughly 962 calories, with 36g protein, 128g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (73% of the Daily Value), iron (53% of the Daily Value), and calcium (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1544mg per serving (67% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until you're ready to bake it. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's going into the oven cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this casserole can be made vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or extra vegetables like mushrooms and spinach. The cheese can be replaced with a dairy-free option to make it vegan.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Certainly! While Velveeta provides creaminess, you can substitute it with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites. Just ensure to adjust the amount based on the cheese's meltability to achieve a similar consistency.
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).