Connie'S Casserole
Connie's Casserole is a hearty, cheesy dish combining pasta, ground meat, tomatoes, and flavorful herbs, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook rigoletti according to package directions and drain. Set aside.
- Fry diced onion and green pepper in a large pan with Crisco shortening until tender.
- Add ground hamburger or turkey to the pan and cook until browned but not dry.
- Stir in salt, canned tomatoes, diced Velveeta cheese, bay leaf, oregano, and marjoram. Cook until cheese has melted.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Top with 4 slices of cheese.
- Melt the cheese under the broiler until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, you can substitute ground turkey for the hamburger. If you don’t have Velveeta, any creamy cheese like Monterey Jack or a blend of Cheddar and cream cheese will work well. Consider adding some garlic or Italian seasoning for extra flavor. This casserole can also be customized with vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Connie's Casserole with a fresh green salad or crusty bread to balance the richness of the dish. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like Chops And Kraut for a satisfying meal. For a complete dinner, consider side dishes like steamed vegetables or roasted potatoes to complement the casserole's flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will help maintain the cheese's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Connie'S Casserole contains roughly 1332 calories, with 14g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 125g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (92% of the Daily Value), and calcium (90% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 26g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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
Is it possible to freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake until warmed 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).