Hungry Man Casserole(This Casserole Won'T Leave You Hungry!)
Hearty and satisfying casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, vegetables, creamy cheese, and pasta, perfect for family dinners that crave bold flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 can peas ⓘ
- 1 cup diced fresh carrots ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 can corn ⓘ
- 6 potatoes ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 lb. small curd cottage cheese
- 1 package lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 3 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 lb. shredded mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 lb. shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef until browned; drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion, diced carrots, peas, corn, garlic salt, salt, pepper, and cook until vegetables are tender.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked beef and vegetables with cottage cheese, eggs, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of tomato paste in the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- Layer cooked lasagna noodles over the tomato paste.
- Spread a portion of the meat and cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Repeat layering with remaining noodles and meat mixture, ending with a layer of tomato paste on top.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the top layer.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can substitute the cottage cheese with ricotta for a creamier texture. If you're short on time, frozen mixed vegetables can work well instead of fresh. For a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes. Always ensure the casserole is well-seasoned, adjusting salt and pepper to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A side of Granny'S Cornbread Salad adds a delightful contrast to the richness of the casserole. Consider serving it with a light dessert like a fruit salad or a slice of cake to balance the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Hungry Man Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 25-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but the oven will keep the texture intact.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hungry Man Casserole(This Casserole Won'T Leave You Hungry!) contains roughly 2028 calories, with 25g protein, 159g carbohydrates, and 156g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (200% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (90% of the Daily Value), and protein (50% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1615mg per serving (70% 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 assemble the Hungry Man Casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, you may need to add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake according to the instructions. This makes for a great make-ahead meal for busy nights.
What can I substitute for lasagna noodles?
If you don't have lasagna noodles, you can use uncooked regular pasta or even zucchini slices for a lower-carb option. Just layer them in the same way as the noodles, adjusting the cooking time as needed. This flexibility allows you to customize the dish to your preference.
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).