Church Supper Casserole
A hearty, cheesy casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and noodles, perfect for family dinners and gatherings with rich flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup cooking oil ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 3 pounds ground beef ⓘ
- 1 1/2 pounds medium noodles, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1/2 tablespoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 3 cans whole kernel corn ⓘ
- 3 large cans tomatoes ⓘ
- 3 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Lightly grease two 9 x 13-inch baking dishes.
- Heat cooking oil in a very large saucepan or Dutch oven.
- Add chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and minced garlic to the oil and cook until vegetables are tender.
- Add ground beef to the saucepan and cook until browned.
- Add remaining ingredients, except cheese, to the beef mixture and stir well.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dishes.
- Cover the dishes with foil or a lid and bake for about 45 minutes.
- Remove from oven and top with grated sharp Cheddar cheese.
- Bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, or use a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option. You can also mix in additional vegetables like diced carrots or zucchini for extra nutrition. If you prefer a spicier dish, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. This casserole can be made ahead of time and frozen before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Church Supper Casserole with a fresh garden salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Broiled Tomatoes With Mushroom Sauce for a delightful side dish. This casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd at potlucks or family gatherings. For a touch of freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or chives before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, leftovers can be reheated in the microwave in individual portions. Ensure the casserole is heated thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Church Supper Casserole contains roughly 564 calories, with 6g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 778mg per serving (34% 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 and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed. This is a great way to save time for gatherings or busy weeknights.
What can I use instead of Cheddar cheese?
If you're looking for a cheese alternative, you can use Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile. For a more robust taste, try adding some crumbled feta or goat cheese on top before the final baking stage.
How do I ensure the noodles don't get mushy?
To prevent the noodles from becoming mushy, be sure to cook them al dente, as they will continue to cook while baking. Additionally, avoid overcooking them before adding to the meat mixture. If you prefer, you can also use oven-ready pasta, which eliminates the need for pre-cooking.
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).