Deridder Casserole
A hearty casserole combining ground beef, vegetables, and cheesy noodles in a flavorful tomato-based sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 3/4 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 (16 1/2 oz.) can creamed corn ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can condensed tomato soup ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can mushrooms ⓘ
- 2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can tomatoes with green chilies ⓘ
- 1 (2 1/4 oz.) can sliced ripe olives ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) jar chopped pimiento ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. celery salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dry mustard
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 8 oz. wide egg noodles ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef with green pepper and onion until the meat is browned and the vegetables are tender; drain.
- Add creamed corn, tomato sauce, condensed tomato soup, mushrooms, tomatoes with green chilies, sliced ripe olives, chopped pimiento, celery salt, chili powder, dry mustard, and pepper; mix thoroughly.
- Add cooked and drained egg noodles to the mixture and combine well.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture. If you don't have wide egg noodles, you can substitute them with any pasta shape you have on hand. To add a bit of heat, try incorporating some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. This casserole is a great way to utilize leftover cooked meats or veggies, similar to Crowd Size Chop Suey.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Deridder Casserole with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with El Rancho Baked Beans for a hearty family gathering. Consider offering a sprinkle of fresh herbs or additional cheese on top just before serving for extra flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in individual portions or warm in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F until heated through. You can also add a splash of broth or water if the casserole seems dry upon reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Deridder Casserole contains roughly 305 calories, with 11g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (90% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 756mg per serving (33% 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 up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
You can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, try using cooked lentils or a meat substitute like crumbled tempeh or mushrooms. These alternatives can provide a similar texture while keeping the dish flavorful.
Is there a way to make this casserole spicier?
Absolutely! You can add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or use spicy diced tomatoes instead of regular ones. Additionally, incorporating a bit of hot sauce into the mixture can elevate the heat level to your liking.
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).