Fast And Easy Casserole
A hearty, cheesy casserole with savory ground beef, vegetables, and creamy soups, perfect for quick family dinners or casual gatherings with rich, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground chuck in a large skillet; drain excess fat.
- Push the cooked meat to one side of the skillet and sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
- Add the chopped green pepper, cooked meat, cream of mushroom soup, tomato soup, cooked egg noodles, shredded cheese, pimentos, frozen green peas, sliced olives, and a pinch of sage to the skillet.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper if desired.
- Turn the mixture into a 12 x 7 1/2 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Cover the dish with foil.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 minutes.
- Garnish with sliced olives before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier option, consider substituting ground turkey for ground chuck. You can also use whole wheat egg noodles for added fiber. If you want to add more veggies, chopped carrots or zucchini work well. Don’t have pimentos? Chopped bell peppers or jalapeños can be good substitutes. For a creamier casserole, add a splash of milk or sour cream.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty and can be served as a main dish. Pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Lemonade Cake With Glaze for dessert. For a fun twist, serve with a side of pickled jalapeños for some added heat.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 25 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave it in individual portions until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fast And Easy Casserole contains roughly 1611 calories, with 14g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 129g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 516mg 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 assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until you are ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely. If baking from cold, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground chuck and substitute it with a plant-based meat alternative or additional vegetables. You might also consider adding beans for protein. This allows it to fit well within vegetarian recipes while still being delicious.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
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).