Full-Meat Casserole
A hearty meat casserole with flavorful chili, cumin, and cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings featuring savory ingredients and melted cheese topping.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. instant garlic or 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 c. water ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chilies ⓘ
- 1 small can diced olives ⓘ
- 1 can whole kernel corn, drained ⓘ
- 1 can kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 3 c. grated cheese ⓘ
- 2 c. cooked shell macaroni ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the lean ground beef in a deep pan.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add chopped onion to the meat and cook until translucent.
- Stir in the instant garlic or minced garlic cloves.
- Add cream of mushroom soup, water, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, Worcestershire sauce, chopped green chilies, diced olives, drained whole kernel corn, and drained kidney beans.
- Mix everything thoroughly and cook over medium heat until heated through.
- Cook the shell macaroni in boiling water with 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil until al dente, then drain without rinsing.
- Add 2 cups of grated cheese to the meat mixture and stir to combine.
- Fold in the cooked macaroni into the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish.
- Top with the remaining 1 cup of grated cheese.
- Optional: Garnish with tomato wedges on top.
- Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes until the mixture bubbles and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or using spicy diced tomatoes instead of regular tomato sauce. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you have leftover veggies, toss them in—zucchini or bell peppers work well. Make sure to drain beans and corn thoroughly to avoid a watery casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole with a simple side salad or some garlic bread to complement the rich flavors. It pairs beautifully with Linda'S Frito Boats for a fun and casual meal. For a lighter touch, consider adding steamed vegetables on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Full-Meat Casserole contains roughly 673 calories, with 21g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (182% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and protein (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1744mg 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. To freeze, cool it completely after baking, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking again.
What can I substitute for the cheese?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor without the dairy. For a lower-calorie option, consider using reduced-fat cheese.
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).