Holiday Crunch
A savory casserole featuring ground meat, macaroni, tomatoes, and crispy fried onions, perfect for comforting family dinners or holiday gatherings with rich, cheesy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spray a 3-quart casserole dish with Pam.
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
- Brown ground meat and drain excess fat.
- Combine mushroom soup, chopped tomatoes with juice, browned meat, shredded Cheddar cheese, chopped green pepper, and drained macaroni.
- Pour half of the mixture into the prepared casserole.
- Add 1/2 can of French fried onions over the mixture.
- Add the remaining mixture on top.
- Cover and bake in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven, add the rest of the French fried onions on top.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. You can also use whole grain or gluten-free macaroni for healthier options. If you don't have green pepper, try using diced bell pepper or even some spinach for added nutrition. For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Holiday Crunch with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with 'Uncrust' Custard Pie for a festive dessert. For a cozy dinner, consider offering some crusty bread or garlic bread on the side. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Holiday Crunch can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil and heat at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Crunch contains roughly 484 calories, with 27g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (53% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value), and calcium (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1001mg per serving (44% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil. When you're ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven, or add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for the mushroom soup?
If you prefer not to use canned mushroom soup, you can create your own by combining 1 cup of cream, 1 cup of vegetable or chicken broth, and sautéed mushrooms. Thicken it with a bit of cornstarch or flour to achieve a similar consistency.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground meat and replace it with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat substitute. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or carrots to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
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).