Country Style Meat Casserole
A hearty country-style meat casserole combining savory ground beef with a sweet and tangy sauce, topped with cheeses, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup minced onion ⓘ
- 1 pound ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Karo blue label syrup ⓘ
- 1/2 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1 3/4 cups cooked macaroni ⓘ
- grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Add water to the remainder of the tomato sauce can and set aside.
- Cook the minced onion and ground beef in a skillet until browned and cooked through.
- In a bowl, mix Karo syrup, tomato sauce, vinegar, ketchup, prepared mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Combine the cooked beef and onion with the sauce mixture.
- Stir in the cooked macaroni until well coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish.
- Sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a touch of spice, consider adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the beef mixture. If you're short on time, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. You can also use a store-bought pasta sauce instead of making your own with tomato sauce and Karo syrup. This casserole is forgiving, so feel free to play with the flavors to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Country Style Meat Casserole with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Macaroni And Cheese With Beef for a hearty family dinner. Consider adding a side of garlic bread for a comforting touch. This dish is great for potlucks or family gatherings, providing a warm and filling option everyone will enjoy.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick meals, just cover with a microwave-safe lid to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Style Meat Casserole contains roughly 553 calories, with 18g protein, 121g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (178% of the Daily Value), and calcium (153% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2982mg per serving (130% 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 prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven, as this helps it cook evenly.
What can I use instead of Karo syrup?
If you don't have Karo syrup, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup for a similar sweetness. Alternatively, brown sugar dissolved in a small amount of water can also work well to maintain the desired consistency.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute, such as crumbled tofu or tempeh. You can also add more vegetables, like mushrooms and zucchini, to enhance the flavor and texture while keeping the dish hearty.
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).