Hollywood Casserole
Hollywood Casserole is a hearty, cheesy dish combining ground beef, crispy bacon, vegetables, egg noodles, and creamy tomato sauce. Its rich flavors and comforting texture make it perfect for family dinners or potlucks, offering a satisfying blend of savory and cheesy goodness in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 3 slices bacon ⓘ
- 1 small can English peas, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 8 oz. egg noodles ⓘ
- 1 can small tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 can undiluted cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 lb. cubed American cheese ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Fry the bacon until crispy and cook the ground beef.
- Cook the egg noodles, drain, and let cool.
- Dice the American cheese and combine with the cooked bacon, beef, drained peas, chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery.
- Mix in the tomato sauce, cream of mushroom soup, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
- The casserole can be frozen for later or refrigerated overnight before baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of ground chuck for a leaner option. You can also substitute the American cheese with cheddar or a cheese blend for a different taste. Fresh vegetables can be added, such as mushrooms or zucchini, to enhance nutrition. Ensure the egg noodles are al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
Serving Suggestions
This Hollywood Casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp salad, such as Uncle Terry'S Cole Slaw, to balance the richness of the dish. For a complete meal, serve with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side. You can also garnish with fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, to brighten the flavor and presentation.
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 bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. This casserole can also be frozen before baking for up to 3 months; just adjust the baking time if cooking from frozen.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hollywood Casserole contains roughly 301 calories, with 21g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (41% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 705mg per serving (31% 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 use a different type of pasta for this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with other pasta shapes like rotini or penne. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose, so it's cooked al dente before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground chuck with a meat substitute like lentils or a plant-based ground meat. You can also add more vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers, for added flavor and texture, and use vegetarian cheese.
How can I spice up this casserole for more flavor?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce into the mixture. Additionally, herbs like oregano or thyme can enhance the flavor profile. A sprinkle of paprika on top before baking can also give it a nice kick and a beautiful color.
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).