Grandma'S Casserole
Grandma's Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish featuring seasoned ground beef, tender noodles, and melted mozzarella cheese. Its rich tomato flavors and savory vegetables make it perfect for family dinners or potlucks, delivering a satisfying meal with classic homemade charm.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 large bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons margarine ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon sugar ⓘ
- 1.5 pounds ground chuck ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 15 ounces tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 8 ounces wide egg noodles ⓘ
- 8 ounces grated mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 29 ounces whole tomatoes ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion and chopped bell pepper in margarine for 3 minutes.
- Add seasoned salt, black pepper, and sugar.
- Add ground chuck, stirring until torn apart and browned.
- Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water.
- Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Spread dry egg noodles in a 4-quart oblong pan.
- Pour the meat and tomato mixture over the noodles, making sure all noodles are covered.
- Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the pan tightly with foil.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic when sautéing the onions and bell pepper. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute ground turkey for the ground chuck. Additionally, feel free to use whole wheat egg noodles for added nutrition. To enhance the dish, top with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or fresh herbs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Grandma's Casserole with a side salad dressed in Homemade Ranch Dressing for a refreshing contrast. It pairs well with crusty bread or a light vegetable dish. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside Congealed Strawberry-Pineapple Salad for a sweet finish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, checking for doneness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Casserole contains roughly 592 calories, with 17g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1445mg per serving (63% 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 up to the baking step and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just ensure you allow it to come to room temperature before baking, or adjust the baking time accordingly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
You can easily create a vegetarian version by substituting the ground chuck with a plant-based meat alternative or a mix of sautéed mushrooms and lentils. Ensure to adjust seasonings to enhance the flavors of the vegetables.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Just cover it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and follow the baking instructions as usual.
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).