Market Day Chuck Wagon Casserole
A hearty casserole combining savory meatballs, beans, vegetables, and melted cheese, topped with flaky biscuits—perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. Market Day meatballs ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can pork and beans ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can lima beans, drained ⓘ
- 10 (1/2-inch) cubes sharp cheese ⓘ
- 1 can flaky refrigerator biscuits ⓘ
- 1 c. celery, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Place meatballs, celery, green pepper, onion, tomato sauce, salt, paprika, and chili powder in a large heavy skillet.
- Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add pork and beans and lima beans; turn mixture into a 2 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Place a cube of cheese on each biscuit, fold biscuits in half, and firmly press edges to seal.
- Arrange biscuits on top of the meatball mixture.
- Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes or until biscuits are brown and done.
- Test with a toothpick to ensure doneness.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Market Day Chuck Wagon Casserole, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or some diced jalapeños for a kick. If you don't have sharp cheese, any melty cheese will work, but sharp cheese provides a nice contrast to the savory meatballs. For a healthier option, swap the pork and beans with a lower-sodium version or try black beans instead.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives for added flavor and color. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of Garden Green Beans With Bacon or a simple green salad for balance. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside crusty bread or cornbread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Heat on medium power until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated thoroughly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Market Day Chuck Wagon Casserole contains roughly 1053 calories, with 17g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 90g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (232% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (127% of the Daily Value), and iron (114% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1875mg per serving (82% 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 frozen meatballs instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen meatballs can be used in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and cook them according to package directions before adding them to the dish. This will ensure they are heated through and flavorful in the casserole.
What can I substitute for lima beans?
If you don't have lima beans on hand, you can substitute them with kidney beans or black beans for a different flavor profile. Both options will add protein and texture to the casserole.
How do I know when the biscuits are done?
The biscuits are done when they are golden brown on top and cooked through. You can test their doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a biscuit; it should come out clean without any raw dough stuck to it.
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).