Company Can'T Wait Casserole
A hearty, cheesy casserole combining seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and tomato soup, perfect for quick family dinners and satisfying comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger meat and chopped onion; drain excess fat.
- Add undiluted tomato soup and drained mixed vegetables to the meat mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
- Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
- Serve hot with slaw and corn muffins.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the hamburger while browning. If you're out of mixed vegetables, frozen corn or peas can be great substitutes. You can also use ground turkey or chicken in place of hamburger for a lighter option. For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is perfect when paired with slaw and corn muffins for a complete meal. For a fresh touch, serve alongside Katherine'S Spinach Salad Dressing as a side salad. You can also top it with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor. For a heartier meal, consider serving with a side of garlic bread.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Company Can'T Wait Casserole contains roughly 491 calories, with 24g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (75% of the Daily Value), protein (48% of the Daily Value), and calcium (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 732mg per serving (32% 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?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge. This makes it a great option for busy nights or gatherings.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Yes, you can easily make this casserole vegetarian by substituting the lean hamburger meat with a plant-based alternative, such as lentils or a meat substitute like crumbled tofu or tempeh. Just be sure to season it well to maintain flavor.
What can I do if I don't have Cheddar cheese?
If you don't have Cheddar cheese, you can substitute it with any cheese that melts well, such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a blend of cheeses. Each will bring a unique flavor to the casserole while still keeping it delicious.
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).