Meat Casserole
A hearty meat casserole layered with bread, vegetables, and a creamy meat mixture, baked to perfection and topped with cheese and mushroom soup. This comforting dish is ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering rich flavors and a satisfying texture that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the diced onion, celery, green pepper, and meat with mayonnaise.
- Beat the eggs and milk together.
- Arrange slices of bread in the bottom of a pan.
- Top with the meat mixture and then add the rest of the bread.
- Let the assembled casserole stand all night.
- Bake for 20 minutes at 350°F.
- Remove from oven.
- Top with 1 1/2 cups of cheese and one can of cream of mushroom soup.
- Bake for an additional 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using a mix of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise instead of just mayonnaise. If you’d like to add some flavor, try incorporating herbs like thyme or parsley into the meat mixture. You can also substitute the diced meat with cooked lentils for a vegetarian alternative. This casserole can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully overnight, much like in a Pea-Peanut Salad.
Serving Suggestions
This meat casserole is hearty enough to be a meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables like Sunday Glazed Carrots. For a comforting touch, serve with a dollop of sour cream or hot sauce. You can also consider serving it alongside Easy Broccoli Casserole for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Casserole contains roughly 1157 calories, with 23g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 77g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (117% of the Daily Value), iron (46% of the Daily Value), and protein (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 949mg per serving (41% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this casserole vegetarian by replacing the diced meat with cooked lentils, beans, or even mushrooms. This substitution will maintain the dish's texture and flavor while catering to vegetarian diets. Adding some extra vegetables can enhance the overall taste.
How can I make the casserole spicier?
To add some heat to the casserole, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce into the meat mixture. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before baking. Adjusting the spice level allows you to customize the dish to your preference.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a healthier option, consider using Greek yogurt or a mixture of sour cream and yogurt as a mayonnaise substitute. This will give you a similar creaminess with added protein. You can also try avocado for a different flavor and texture.
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).