Mom'S Green Pea Casserole
A comforting green pea casserole with a savory mushroom and water chestnut filling, topped with seasoned stuffing and baked until golden. Perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onions and celery in melted oleo.
- Combine cooked peas, sautéed vegetables, water chestnuts, mushroom soup, flour, and melted oleo in a saucepan and heat thoroughly.
- Pour the mixture into a casserole dish.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the casserole with dry Pepperidge Farm herb seasoned stuffing mix.
- Dot butter on top of the stuffing.
- Bake in a 350°F oven until well browned.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of Mom's Green Pea Casserole, consider adding garlic or herbs such as thyme or dill when sautéing the onions and celery. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute the oleo with olive oil or vegan butter. You can also replace the mushroom soup with a homemade version using vegetable broth and a splash of non-dairy milk for a creamy texture. This dish is flexible; feel free to experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mom's Green Pea Casserole as a delightful side dish alongside roasted chicken or grilled fish. It pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or some crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it with Something Different Meatballs (Easy) for added protein. This casserole also makes a great addition to potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions but cover to retain moisture. Avoid reheating more than once for best quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Green Pea Casserole contains roughly 444 calories, with 14g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (31% of the Daily Value) and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 611mg per serving (27% 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?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to cover it tightly. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of water chestnuts?
If you don't have water chestnuts on hand, you can substitute them with sliced bamboo shoots for a similar crunch. Alternatively, you could omit them entirely or replace them with chopped bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
Is this casserole suitable for vegans?
To make Mom's Green Pea Casserole vegan, simply swap out the oleo for a plant-based butter or olive oil, use a vegan mushroom soup, and ensure that your stuffing mix is free from animal products. This way, you can enjoy a delicious, plant-based version of this classic dish.
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).