Jennifer'S Reunion Casserole
A hearty baked casserole combining seasoned ground beef, sausage, noodles, and vegetables, topped with melted cheddar for a comforting family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. bulk sausage ⓘ
- 2 c. (8 oz.) shredded Cheddar cheese, divided ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can whole kernel corn, drained ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can condensed tomato soup, undiluted ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 8 oz. wide noodles, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef, sausage, and chopped onion.
- Drain the fat from the skillet.
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese, chopped green pepper, drained corn, undiluted tomato soup, tomato sauce, minced garlic, salt, and cooked noodles.
- Pour the mixture into a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded Cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover the pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes when browning the meat. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or use a different cheese like Monterey Jack. If you don’t have wide noodles, penne or rigatoni work well. This dish can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Easy Bake Stew for a comforting dinner. You can also top it with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jennifer'S Reunion Casserole contains roughly 473 calories, with 21g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (42% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), and calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1600mg 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 use a different type of meat for this casserole?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or even shredded chicken. If you'd like a spicier kick, chorizo or Italian sausage would also work well. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it without baking, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, just bake it according to the instructions, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I serve with Jennifer's Reunion Casserole?
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside cornbread or biscuits. It also makes a great stand-alone dish, so feel free to enjoy it as is for a filling and delicious dinner.
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).