Handy Casserole
A hearty and comforting casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, tender noodles, and melted mozzarella. This versatile dish combines savory tomato flavors with vegetables, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Easy to prepare and satisfying, it appeals to meat lovers and pasta fans alike.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp margarine ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, cut in strips ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp sugar ⓘ
- 1 quart or 1 (1 lb 12 oz) can whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) package uncooked lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 8 oz sliced Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute the chopped onion, margarine, and green pepper for 3 minutes.
- Brown the ground beef, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
- Add salt, pepper, and sugar to the beef mixture.
- Stir in the canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding minced garlic or Italian herbs to the beef mixture. If you're short on time, you can substitute uncooked lasagna noodles with pre-cooked varieties, although this may alter the texture slightly. For a healthier option, lean ground turkey can be used instead of beef. Pairing this dish with a side salad is a great way to add some freshness.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to be a standalone meal, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete dinner. For a cozy evening, serve it alongside a glass of red wine. You might also enjoy complementing it with a side of steamed vegetables or a baked potato for added nutrition.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If the casserole seems dry, add a splash of water or broth to help retain moisture during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Handy Casserole contains roughly 584 calories, with 3g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1656mg per serving (72% 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 ahead of time. Assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to adjust the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge, as it may take a bit longer to cook through.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
The casserole is fully cooked when the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can check the internal temperature; it should reach at least 165°F. If you're using pre-cooked noodles, just ensure everything is heated through.
Can I freeze the Handy Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then cover it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake until hot and bubbly.
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).