Corkscrew Casserole
A hearty baked casserole combining macaroni, ground beef, vegetables, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners and satisfying appetites.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked and drained corkscrew macaroni ⓘ
- 1 pound browned and drained ground beef ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1 can tomato soup ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup well chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 can (12 oz.) whole kernel corn, drained ⓘ
- 6 slices American cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix cooked and drained corkscrew macaroni, browned and drained ground beef, salt, black pepper, tomato soup, tomato sauce, chopped green pepper, chopped onion, drained corn, and slices of American cheese in a Pam-coated 2-quart casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven and cover with cheese slices.
- Return to oven until the cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of cheeses, such as cheddar or mozzarella, instead of just American cheese. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Make sure to stir the mixture thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This Corkscrew Casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or coleslaw for a refreshing contrast. For a fun twist, try topping it with crushed tortilla chips for added crunch. It also makes a great dish for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but the oven will keep the cheese nice and melty.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Corkscrew Casserole contains roughly 482 calories, with 18g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (80% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value), and iron (52% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1631mg per serving (71% 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. Just assemble all the ingredients in the casserole dish and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake it as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the refrigerator.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of crushed tomatoes or a homemade tomato sauce. You can also blend together canned tomatoes with some spices to mimic the flavor of tomato soup. This can add a fresher taste to your casserole.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and substitute it with cooked lentils, quinoa, or a meat substitute like tempeh or tofu. You can also add more vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini, to enhance the dish's texture and flavor. This way, you can still enjoy a hearty and satisfying casserole.
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).