Miss Daisey'S Casserole
A hearty casserole combining seasoned ground beef, vegetables, tomatoes, and cheeses, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers seeking rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 c. diced celery ⓘ
- 1/4 c. diced green pepper ⓘ
- 3/4 c. chopped onions ⓘ
- 28 oz. can tomatoes ⓘ
- 16 oz. tomato juice
- 8 oz. can mushroom pieces, drained ⓘ
- 8 oz. can water chestnuts, drained and sliced ⓘ
- 1 c. American cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 c. green olives ⓘ
- 1/2 c. ripe olives ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 6 oz. pkg. egg noodles (uncooked) ⓘ
- 2 c. Cheddar cheese, shredded ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and drain excess fat.
- Add diced celery, green pepper, and chopped onions to the beef and sauté until vegetables are tender.
- Add tomato juice, canned tomatoes, drained mushroom pieces, drained sliced water chestnuts, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Cook egg noodles according to package instructions, then drain.
- Mix cooked noodles into the beef mixture.
- Pour the mixture into two casserole dishes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese on top. Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a blend of ground meats, such as beef and pork. If you're looking to lighten the dish, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for ground beef. You can also replace the American cheese with mozzarella for a different taste. For a twist, try adding some spices like Italian seasoning or garlic powder to enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For an extra touch, serve with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley. Consider serving it alongside other American recipes for a hearty dinner spread, such as Super Chili or Beef And Macaroni Skillet Meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, ensuring it's heated evenly throughout.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Miss Daisey'S Casserole contains roughly 236 calories, with 13g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (137% of the Daily Value), protein (25% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1571mg per serving (68% 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 prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Simply complete the recipe up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even baking.
What can I use instead of egg noodles?
If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can substitute egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or even zucchini noodles for a lower-carb alternative. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as necessary, especially with fresh zucchini.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
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).