Commodore'S Delight
A hearty, cheesy beef and noodle casserole with tomatoes, mushrooms, and Italian seasonings, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 or 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt
- pepper to taste ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1 tsp. marjoram ⓘ
- 1 pkg. (6 oz.) medium egg noodles ⓘ
- 1 can tomato soup ⓘ
- 1 can (1 lb. 1 oz.) tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 small can sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- Velveeta cheese slices ⓘ
Instructions
- Put a tablespoon of oil in a heavy skillet and place over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, tossing and breaking up with a fork, until lightly browned.
- Add chopped onions, green pepper, salt, pepper, garlic, Italian seasoning, and marjoram. Continue cooking until golden brown.
- Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles in plenty of boiling water until tender.
- Drain the noodles thoroughly.
- Mix the cooked noodles with tomato soup, canned tomatoes, and drained mushrooms.
- Grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Arrange half of the noodle and beef mixture in the bottom of the casserole.
- Top with slices of Velveeta cheese.
- Add the remaining noodle and beef mixture on top.
- Cover with additional slices of Velveeta cheese.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a tablespoon of hot sauce to the beef mixture. If you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef. For a creamier texture, try mixing in a small container of sour cream with the tomato soup. This dish is reminiscent of American recipes like Linda G'S Goulash.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Commodore's Delight with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to balance the richness. This comforting dish is also great for potlucks or family gatherings. For a fun twist, pair it with Barbecue Burgers(Sloppy Joes) for a hearty meal spread that everyone will enjoy.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through, covering with foil to prevent the cheese from browning too much. You can also microwave individual portions until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Commodore'S Delight contains roughly 531 calories, with 24g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (173% of the Daily Value), calcium (58% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 938mg per serving (41% 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 use a different type of cheese instead of Velveeta?
Yes, you can substitute Velveeta with shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the melting quality may vary; Velveeta provides a creamy texture, while other cheeses may result in a firmer bite.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make Commodore's Delight vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with a meat alternative like lentils, tempeh, or a combination of vegetables such as zucchini and mushrooms. Ensure the tomato soup and noodles are also vegetarian-friendly for a complete dish.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through thoroughly. This is perfect for meal prep or making ahead for busy days.
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).