Heaven Bound Casserole
Heaven Bound Casserole is a hearty, cheesy baked dish featuring ground beef, noodles, mushrooms, olives, and a creamy soup blend, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sauté onion and green pepper in oleo until transparent.
- Add ground beef and brown until beef loses pink; drain off grease.
- Cook noodles according to package directions and drain.
- While noodles cook, mix Cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, mushrooms, and olives until well blended.
- Mix in ground beef thoroughly and add cooked noodles.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Top with slivered almonds if desired.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 to 45 minutes, or until bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh garlic instead of garlic powder, or even sautéing some fresh mushrooms with the onion and green pepper. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute for ground beef. This casserole is also versatile; you can swap in different vegetables like spinach or zucchini if you prefer.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Heaven Bound Casserole with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with My Moist Meat Loaf for a comforting dinner spread. You can also sprinkle some additional cheese on top before serving for extra richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Heaven Bound Casserole contains roughly 364 calories, with 19g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (132% of the Daily Value) and protein (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. At about 364 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of Cheddar cheese soup?
If you don't have Cheddar cheese soup on hand, you can substitute it with a homemade cheese sauce made from a roux of butter and flour, combined with shredded cheese and milk. This will give you a similar creamy texture and cheesy flavor.
Is it possible to freeze the casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Just cover it well with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
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).