Good Grief
A hearty, savory casserole combining sausage, ground beef, tomatoes, and herbs, topped with bread crumbs—perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. sausage ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 can cream of onion soup ⓘ
- 2 cans tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/4 cup parsley ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon sugar ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons sour cream or onion dip
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons oregano ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon dried onions ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 small box macaroni ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the sausage and ground beef in a skillet.
- Add cream of onion soup, parsley, and bread crumbs to the meat mixture.
- Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Stir in the canned tomatoes.
- Add the remaining ingredients: sugar, sour cream or onion dip, garlic salt, oregano, dried onions, black pepper.
- Cook until onions are tender and flavors meld.
- Pour the meat mixture over cooked macaroni.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using Italian sausage instead of regular sausage. If you prefer a lighter dish, ground turkey can be a great substitute for the beef. Fresh herbs can be used in place of dried ones for a vibrant taste. If you don't have bread crumbs, crushed crackers or rolled oats work well as a binder.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a side salad for a fresh contrast, or pair it with garlic bread for a comforting meal. It also goes well with steamed vegetables. For a fun twist, try topping with shredded cheese before serving. This recipe is great for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short intervals or heat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Good Grief contains roughly 335 calories, with 12g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (92% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (70% of the Daily Value), and calcium (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 836mg per serving (36% 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 soup?
Yes, you can substitute the cream of onion soup with cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup for a different flavor profile. Each option will add its own unique taste to the dish while maintaining the creamy texture.
What can I use instead of macaroni?
If you don't have macaroni on hand, any small pasta shape like penne, rotini, or even rice can be used. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, omit the sausage and ground beef, and replace them with a mixture of vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini. You can also add lentils or beans for added protein and texture.
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).