Clean Your Plate Casserole
A hearty casserole combining tender noodles, seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and fresh green onions, perfect for comforting family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. fine noodles ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 16 oz. can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 8 oz. can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 tsp. Knorr Swiss Aromat seasoning for meat ⓘ
- 2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 3/4 cup green onions, chopped ⓘ
- 3 oz. package cream cheese
- 1 1/2 cups grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onions in a skillet.
- Add stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, Knorr Swiss Aromat seasoning, sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper to the beef mixture. Simmer for a few minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream and cream cheese until smooth.
- Combine the cooked noodles with the beef mixture.
- Stir in the sour cream and cream cheese mixture until well blended.
- Transfer to a casserole dish, top with grated Cheddar cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for beef and use whole grain noodles. You can also swap out the Cheddar cheese for a lower-fat cheese or a dairy-free alternative. If you're short on time, use pre-cooked noodles or a store-bought sauce. Adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach can enhance the dish's nutrition and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with California Garden Casserole for a hearty dinner. For a fun twist, top with crushed tortilla chips or serve alongside salsa for a Tex-Mex flair. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in the microwave for a few minutes or bake in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If the casserole seems dry, add a splash of broth or water before reheating to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Clean Your Plate Casserole contains roughly 348 calories, with 16g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (59% of the Daily Value), protein (32% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1320mg per serving (57% 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. Assemble it up to the baking step, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through thoroughly.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, Greek yogurt works well as a substitute, providing a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. Additionally, you can use cottage cheese blended until smooth for a lower-fat option while still keeping the dish rich and creamy.
Can I freeze the Clean Your Plate Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be stored for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven until heated through.
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).