Ground Meat Casserole
A hearty ground meat casserole packed with savory flavors, tender macaroni, and a creamy mushroom sauce. Topped with melted cheese, it's perfect for family dinners or comforting gatherings, offering a balanced combination of spices and vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook macaroni until tender; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown the ground meat and drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion, chopped sweet pepper, chili powder, sugar, salt, pepper, and a pinch of soda to the meat; cook until vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and tomato sauce; mix well.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the meat mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes.
- Remove from oven and top with grated cheese, if desired.
- Return to oven until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding garlic or other spices like cumin to the meat mixture. If you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. For a vegetarian twist, use a meat substitute or lentils instead of ground meat. This casserole is versatile; feel free to add vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For an added crunch, top with breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips before baking. It pairs beautifully with Quick Fruit Pie for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any 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, heating at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. For best results, avoid microwaving as it can make the pasta mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ground Meat Casserole contains roughly 358 calories, with 10g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2521mg per serving (110% 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
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you're looking for a substitute, you can use homemade cream sauce or any cream soup, like cream of chicken or celery. For a healthier option, consider blending cooked mushrooms with vegetable broth and a little cream or milk to achieve a similar consistency.
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).