Chuck Casserole
A hearty casserole combining tender ground chuck, noodles, mushrooms, water chestnuts, and savory sauces, topped with cheese and crispy Chinese noodles for a flavorful family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook and drain the noodles.
- Brown the ground chuck and onions in a skillet.
- Combine the mushrooms, cream of chicken soup, milk, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl.
- Add the mushroom mixture to the browned meat and onions, then add the sliced water chestnuts and mix well.
- Butter a 3-quart casserole dish.
- Spread the cooked noodles in the casserole dish and pour the meat mixture over the noodles.
- Top with grated cheese.
- Bake at 350°F until the cheese bubbles, about 20-25 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and top with Chinese noodles.
- Return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you want to add more flavor, try incorporating garlic or adding a splash of hot sauce. To enhance the dish, consider using fresh mushrooms instead of canned for a more robust taste.
Serving Suggestions
This Chuck Casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a comforting dinner, consider serving alongside My Favorite Stuffing for a hearty feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be cautious to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chuck Casserole contains roughly 300 calories, with 18g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (88% of the Daily Value) and protein (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. 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 assemble the casserole the day before and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of water chestnuts?
If you don't have water chestnuts, you can use chopped celery for a similar crunch or skip them entirely if you prefer. For a different texture, consider adding diced bell peppers or zucchini.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed. It can be frozen for up to three months.
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).