Economic Casserole
A budget-friendly, hearty casserole combining dried beef, macaroni, and creamy mushroom soup, perfect for comforting family meals and versatile for optional mushroom additions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine dried beef, uncooked elbow macaroni, and cream of mushroom soup.
- If desired and within your budget, add a can of mushrooms to the mixture.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.
- Sprinkle grated cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy this economical casserole.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk to the mixture before baking. If you’re out of dried beef, sliced ham or cooked chicken can work as substitutes. Additionally, feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables like peas or bell peppers for added nutrition. This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge before baking, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.
Serving Suggestions
This economical casserole pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Consider serving it with crusty bread or rolls to soak up the delicious creamy sauce. For a heartier option, serve alongside Church Beans, which complement the flavors nicely. Enjoy it as a comforting weeknight dinner or as a budget-friendly dish for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but the oven method helps retain the casserole's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Economic Casserole contains roughly 577 calories, with 14g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (29% 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 use a different type of pasta instead of elbow macaroni?
Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose, as some may require longer or shorter cooking times.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the dried beef and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or a variety of vegetables like spinach and zucchini. Using cream of mushroom soup keeps the dish flavorful and creamy while making it suitable for vegetarians.
Can I freeze the casserole before baking?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! Prepare it up to the point before baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
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).