John Ben Getty
A hearty casserole blending ground meats, noodles, vegetables, and cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners with rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat and diced onions in a skillet.
- Pour off excess fat from the meat mixture.
- Cook the noodles in slightly salted water until just tender, then drain.
- In a large casserole dish, combine the cooked meat mixture, noodles, pimento, drained peas or beans, tomato soup, and cream of mushroom soup.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Bake in a moderate oven at 350°F for about 45 minutes.
- During the last 15 minutes of baking, sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider adding garlic or herbs like oregano to the meat mixture while browning. If you're short on time, pre-cooked noodles can be used. You can also substitute the ground meat with turkey for a leaner option or use vegetarian recipes for a meatless version by incorporating lentils or mushrooms.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You might also serve it alongside Garden Deviled Eggs (Makes 48 Appetizers) for a delightful spread. Consider offering a dollop of sour cream or hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of John Ben Getty contains roughly 658 calories, with 22g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (70% of the Daily Value), protein (44% of the Daily Value), and calcium (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1867mg per serving (81% 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 different types of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for half pork and half beef, you can mix and match ground meats according to your preference. Ground turkey or chicken works well, and for a vegetarian option, try using a blend of lentils and mushrooms for a hearty texture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the meat mixture while browning. You can also serve the casserole with hot sauce on the side for guests to spice it up to their liking.
What can I serve this casserole with?
This casserole is quite filling on its own, but it pairs nicely with a light side salad or steamed vegetables. For a comforting meal, serve it alongside garlic bread or biscuits to soak up the delicious sauce.
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).