Meat Casserole (Beef)
A hearty beef casserole with vegetables and mushroom soup, topped with crunchy chow mein noodles, perfect for comforting family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Coarsely chop the onion, celery stalks, and green pepper.
- Cook the ground beef in 1 tablespoon of butter until browned, then transfer to a casserole dish.
- Cook the vegetables in the remaining butter until limp.
- In the same pan, stir in mushroom soup, water, salt, and pepper, then mix with the beef in the casserole.
- Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the cover, sprinkle chow mein noodles on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
- Optionally, cut back on onions if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef while cooking. If you want a healthier twist, substitute ground turkey for the beef. You can also use frozen mixed vegetables in place of fresh ones for convenience. Adjust the seasonings according to your taste, and feel free to add cheese for a creamier texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meat casserole hot, topped with the crispy chow mein noodles for added crunch. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or steamed vegetables. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with garlic bread or over rice. This dish is also great for potlucks or as a cozy family dinner, making it a go-to choice among beef recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meat casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Casserole (Beef) contains roughly 1366 calories, with 21g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 127g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (42% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1941mg per serving (84% 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
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
You can easily increase the vegetable content by adding diced carrots, peas, or even corn. Just sauté them along with the onion, celery, and green pepper to ensure they cook evenly. This will not only enhance the flavor but also add a pop of color and nutrition to your 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).