Dad'S Famous "Man Sized Casserole"
Hearty and comforting, this meaty casserole combines savory ground beef, flavorful tomato sauces, and melted American cheese, perfect for satisfying family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. shortening ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/4 oz.) can spaghetti sauce with mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 c. water ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 1 to 1 1/2 c. grated American cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt shortening in a heavy saucepan or Dutch oven.
- Add chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and minced garlic.
- Cook over low heat until onion is transparent.
- Add ground beef.
- Cook over medium heat until lightly browned, stirring with a fork to break up meat.
- Add spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, water, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well; simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Set aside.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding Italian seasoning or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture. If you don't have American cheese, try substituting with cheddar or mozzarella for a different taste. Make sure to cook the macaroni al dente, as it will continue cooking in the casserole. This dish is a hearty favorite that can also be customized with vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your casserole hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a glass of red wine to enhance the flavors. For a twist, try serving with a side of roasted vegetables or a creamy coleslaw to balance the richness of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat in the microwave at medium power in 1-minute increments, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dad'S Famous "Man Sized Casserole" contains roughly 427 calories, with 8g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1507mg per serving (66% 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 in advance. Assemble it as directed, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. If you do this, increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes to ensure it's heated through. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Can I freeze the casserole?
You can also freeze leftovers, but be aware that the texture may change slightly upon reheating. Ensure it's in a freezer-safe container and consume within 2-3 months for the best quality.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
You can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this casserole. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try using lentils or a meat substitute like crumbled tofu or tempeh. Adjust the cooking time slightly based on the substitute you choose, as some may require different preparation.
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).