Mildre'S Casserole(Microwave)
Mildre'S Casserole offers a comforting blend of beef, noodles, and creamy cheeses with a hint of tomato and herbs, perfect for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
- 3 c. uncooked egg noodles
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 c. water ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can whole kernel corn, drained ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
- 1 (5 3/4 oz.) can mushroom steak sauce with mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) pkg. cream cheese ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. basil leaves crushed ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano leaves crushed ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 c. cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 c. sour cream ⓘ
- 1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook noodles according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- Crumble beef and add onion in a glass bowl.
- Microwave on High for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Drain the beef mixture.
- Stir in water, corn, tomato paste, and seasonings.
- Combine half of the meat mixture with the noodles in a 2 1/2-quart dish.
- Mix cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream until smooth.
- Spread the cheese mixture over the noodle-meat layer.
- Top with the remaining meat mixture.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Microwave on High for 12 to 16 minutes, rotating once halfway through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to lighten the dish. If you're out of mushroom steak sauce, try a mix of soy sauce and a bit of ketchup as a substitute. Always taste and adjust seasonings to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a comforting touch, serve it with garlic bread or crusty rolls. It also goes well with a side of Arkansas Cumin Rice for a flavorful twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 1-minute intervals until warmed through, stirring occasionally. You can also bake it in the oven at 350°F until hot, which helps maintain the texture of the casserole.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mildre'S Casserole(Microwave) contains roughly 344 calories, with 19g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value), iron (57% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1523mg per serving (66% 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. Just assemble it as instructed, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. When ready to serve, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time in the microwave to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter alternative, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream in place of cream cheese. For a dairy-free option, consider using a plant-based cream cheese. Just make sure to choose a brand that melts well for the best texture in the casserole.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini, or use a meat alternative like lentils or plant-based crumbles. Adjust the seasoning to enhance the flavors and enjoy a delicious vegetarian 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).