Judy'S Italian Casserole
Judy's Italian Casserole is a comforting baked dish combining seasoned ground beef, flavorful tomato soup, and tender noodles topped with melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners, it offers a hearty, cheesy, and savory experience that satisfies with simple ingredients and straightforward preparation.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with chopped onion, minced garlic, oregano, and salt; stir to separate the meat.
- Combine the cooked beef mixture in a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish with tomato soup, water, and cooked wide noodles.
- Place the shredded cheese around the edge of the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a bit more flavor, consider adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the ground beef mixture. If you're out of oregano, Italian seasoning works well as a substitute. To make this dish lighter, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. You can also replace the American or Cheddar cheese with mozzarella for a more traditional Italian flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It's perfect for family gatherings and pairs beautifully with Virginia'S Easy Lasagne for a comforting Italian feast. You can also top with fresh basil or parsley for added freshness before serving.
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. You can also microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Judy'S Italian Casserole contains roughly 743 calories, with 33g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (175% of the Daily Value), and calcium (146% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1910mg per serving (83% 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?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne or rotini. Just make sure to cook it according to package instructions until al dente before adding it to the casserole.
Is this casserole suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. When ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with a combination of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach, or use lentils for protein. Follow the same cooking instructions for a delicious meat-free Italian casserole.
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).