Kodiak Casserole
Kodiak Casserole is a hearty, savory dish combining ground beef, vegetables, green olives, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners, it offers rich flavors and comforting textures, making it a satisfying and versatile meal for many appetites.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef
- 4 c. diced onions ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 3 medium green peppers, diced
- 4 c. celery, diced ⓘ
- 1 (5 3/4 oz.) jar stuffed green olives (undrained) ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can mushroom stems and pieces (undrained) ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can condensed tomato soup (undiluted) ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) jar picante sauce ⓘ
- 1 (18 oz.) bottle barbecue sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 3 to 4 c. medium egg noodles, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1 c. (4 oz.) shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, brown ground beef with onions and garlic; drain.
- Add diced onions, minced garlic, diced green peppers, diced celery, stuffed green olives (undrained), mushroom stems and pieces (undrained), condensed tomato soup, picante sauce, barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Mix well. Cover and bake at 350°F for 1 hour or until hot and bubbly.
- Sprinkle with shredded Cheddar cheese just before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider using lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also swap out the egg noodles for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Adding a tablespoon of Italian seasoning can enhance the flavor profile. If you're short on time, pre-chopped vegetables can save you effort. This Kodiak Casserole is a true Family Favorite, perfect for feeding a crowd.
Serving Suggestions
This Kodiak Casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed Dilled Green Beans for a refreshing contrast. Consider serving with garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, you might also enjoy it alongside some buttery corn or a light coleslaw.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place in the microwave or oven until heated through. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to prevent drying out and warm at 350°F for about 20 minutes. Consider adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kodiak Casserole contains roughly 347 calories, with 17g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (34% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and calcium (28% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 712mg 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. This allows for even cooking and prevents the casserole from being too cold in the center.
What can I substitute for the barbecue sauce?
If you don't have barbecue sauce, consider using a combination of ketchup and a splash of vinegar for tanginess. Alternatively, a homemade sauce using tomato paste, honey, and spices can work well. This flexibility allows you to tailor the flavors to your liking while keeping the dish cohesive.
Can I freeze Kodiak Casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, ensuring it’s heated thoroughly before serving.
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).