Football Casserole
A hearty, cheesy casserole combining seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and pasta, baked to perfection. Perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in shortening.
- Add chopped onions, canned tomatoes, catsup, steak sauce, chopped green pepper, and parsley.
- Simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add cooked macaroni to the mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix in cream of mushroom soup lightly and sprinkle grated cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until top is bubbling and brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a blend of ground beef and Italian sausage. If you don't have shortening, olive oil or butter can be substituted. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or a meat substitute. Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini. If you want to spice things up, add some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Football Casserole with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like coleslaw or cornbread. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. A refreshing beverage, such as iced tea or lemonade, complements the dish well.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Football Casserole contains roughly 823 calories, with 5g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 83g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (93% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1742mg per serving (76% 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 meat for this casserole?
Yes, you can easily substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even pork for the ground beef. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly based on the meat's fat content. For a vegetarian option, consider using plant-based ground meat or lentils.
What can I do if I don't have canned tomatoes?
If canned tomatoes are not available, you can use fresh tomatoes instead. About 4-5 medium-sized tomatoes, chopped, will work well. Alternatively, tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes can also be used to achieve a similar flavor and consistency.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's 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).