Miss Daisy'S Beef Casserole
A hearty beef casserole packed with vegetables, olives, mushrooms, and cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings that crave rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 lb lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 cup celery diced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup green pepper diced ⓘ
- 3/4 cup onion chopped ⓘ
- 3 (14.5 oz) cans stewed tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can sliced mushrooms drained ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) can sliced water chestnuts drained ⓘ
- 1 cup American cheese cubed ⓘ
- 1/2 cup green olives chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup black olives sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 6 oz egg noodles uncooked ⓘ
- 2 cups sharp Cheddar cheese shredded ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet, then drain excess fat.
- Put the cooked beef into a large pot.
- Add diced celery, green pepper, chopped onion, stewed tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, sliced water chestnuts, chopped green olives, sliced black olives, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Simmer the mixture for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions, then drain.
- Combine the cooked egg noodles with the beef mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded sharp Cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the lean ground beef. You can also add more vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to boost nutrition. If you prefer a creamier texture, consider mixing in a can of cream of mushroom soup. To enhance the flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or some Italian seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Miss Daisy's Beef Casserole with a side of garlic bread and a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Ethel'S Brown Rice for added heartiness. For an extra kick, consider offering hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, though the oven will help maintain the casserole's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Miss Daisy'S Beef Casserole contains roughly 282 calories, with 14g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (40% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1494mg per serving (65% 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. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as directed. This can enhance the flavors as the ingredients meld together overnight.
What can I use instead of American cheese?
If you prefer a different cheese, feel free to substitute with mozzarella or colby jack for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the cheese melts well for that gooey texture. Sharp Cheddar also works well if you want to amplify the cheese flavor even more.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze Miss Daisy's Beef Casserole. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
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).