Emma Janes Southern Casserole
Emma Janes Southern Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish featuring tender noodles, savory ground steak, creamy corn, and melted American cheese. Flavored with onions, garlic, Worcestershire, and tomato juice, it offers rich, savory tastes perfect for family dinners or gatherings, topped with olives for a tangy finish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown chopped onions and ground round steak in butter.
- Cook small noodles until just tender.
- Mix all ingredients together, including cooked noodles, browned meat and onions, cream-style corn, button mushrooms, grated American cheese, garlic powder, Worcestershire, and tomato juice.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
- Garnish with olives.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or sour cream to the mixture before baking. If you're out of American cheese, cheddar or a blend of cheeses will work well. You can also use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner substitute for ground round steak. Adding some cooked vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach, can enhance the dish and add nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside crusty bread or cornbread for extra heartiness. For a comforting twist, try it with a side of Beefy Spanish Rice or a light soup to start your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, though the oven method helps maintain the texture of the dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Emma Janes Southern Casserole contains roughly 1485 calories, with 16g protein, 167g carbohydrates, and 86g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (41% of the Daily Value), protein (32% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 508mg per serving (22% 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. Simply assemble it, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What can I use if I don't have tomato juice?
If you don't have tomato juice on hand, you can substitute with a mixture of diced tomatoes and a little water or broth. Alternatively, you can use vegetable juice or even a homemade tomato sauce to achieve a similar flavor.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
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).