Favorite Beef Casserole
A hearty and cheesy beef casserole featuring tender ground beef, savory tomatoes, green peppers, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this comforting dish combines rich flavors with easy preparation, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and drain well.
- Add chopped onions, stewed tomatoes, steak sauce, catsup, chopped green pepper, and chopped parsley to the beef.
- Simmer the mixture for 30 minutes, then add the cream of mushroom soup and salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the macaroni separately until almost done.
- Combine the meat mixture with the cooked macaroni and transfer to a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Top with grated sharp Cheddar cheese and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of ground meats or incorporating spices like garlic powder and paprika. If you don't have stewed tomatoes, diced tomatoes or tomato sauce can work as substitutes. Feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for extra nutrition. For a twist, try using a different cheese, such as pepper jack, to give the casserole a kick. This dish is a family favorite, reminiscent of comforting American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty beef casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Onions Au Gratin for a comforting dinner. For a lighter touch, consider a refreshing cucumber salad. You can also offer warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover beef casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 3 months; just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Favorite Beef Casserole contains roughly 434 calories, with 33g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (192% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (139% of the Daily Value), and potassium (90% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 664mg per serving (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
How can I make this casserole spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. You could also use spicy sausage instead of ground beef or top the casserole with spicy cheese. This will elevate the flavors and give it a nice kick, perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors.
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).