California Casserole(Delicious Meat And Noodle Dish)
California Casserole is a hearty, flavorful meat and noodle dish combining seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and a savory tomato-based sauce topped with melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners, it offers a comforting blend of flavors with a touch of spice, making it ideal for those who enjoy filling, homemade casseroles.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 3/4 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 (16 1/2 oz.) can cream-style corn ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can condensed tomato soup ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can tomatoes and green chilies ⓘ
- 1 (2 1/4 oz.) can sliced ripe olives, drained ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) jar chopped pimiento, drained ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. celery salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 8 oz. wide egg noodles, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef with green pepper and onion until browned and vegetables are tender; drain.
- Add cream-style corn, tomato sauce, condensed tomato soup, mushrooms, tomatoes and green chilies, sliced ripe olives, chopped pimiento, celery salt, chili powder, dry mustard, and pepper; mix thoroughly.
- Add cooked and drained noodles; mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a Dutch oven or large baking dish.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 50 minutes.
- Sprinkle with shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Return to the oven for 10 minutes or until the cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of beef. You can also add frozen mixed vegetables for extra nutrition. If you prefer a bit more spice, try adding some diced jalapeños. This casserole is versatile; feel free to substitute with different cheeses or pasta shapes as per your taste.
Serving Suggestions
This California Casserole is hearty enough to serve on its own but pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread. For a comforting, complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light soup or steamed vegetables. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley can also enhance the presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in individual portions until hot. You can also freeze the casserole before baking for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of California Casserole(Delicious Meat And Noodle Dish) contains roughly 160 calories, with 5g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 it a day in advance. Just assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.
What can I substitute for the cream-style corn?
If you don't have cream-style corn, you can use regular corn and add a little cream or milk to achieve a similar texture. Another option is to blend canned corn with a bit of butter for a homemade cream-style version.
Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or use lentils for protein. Additionally, increase the amount of vegetables, like zucchini or spinach, to make the dish heartier while keeping it vegetarian.
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).