"More Casserole Please"
A hearty casserole combining seasoned ground meat, noodles, and vegetables, topped with melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners and comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground turkey or beef ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (17 oz.) can cream-style corn ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can green peas, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 8 oz. package noodles ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. margarine ⓘ
- 8 oz. shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook and drain the noodles.
- Cook the ground turkey or beef with chopped onions and bell pepper in a pan until the meat loses its red color; do not brown.
- Add canned tomatoes, chili powder, and black pepper to the meat mixture.
- Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes, then add drained corn and green peas.
- Place a layer of noodles in a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Add half of the meat mixture and top with half of the shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Repeat with another layer of noodles, meat mixture, and cheese.
- Bake in a 350°F oven until the cheese melts and the mixture is bubbly, about 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground chicken or pork instead of turkey or beef. You can substitute fresh vegetables like zucchini or spinach for the canned peas and corn. If you prefer a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. To save time, use pre-cooked noodles or a quicker-cooking variety. This dish can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. You can serve it alongside a tangy coleslaw for added crunch. For a comforting dessert, consider making Mom'S Refrigerated Graham Cracker Pudding to round out your meal. This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but sides can enhance the dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture, for 2-3 minutes on high, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "More Casserole Please" contains roughly 415 calories, with 11g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use different types of cheese in this casserole?
Absolutely! While Cheddar cheese is traditional, you can mix it up by using Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a blend of cheeses for different flavor profiles. Just make sure the cheese melts well to achieve that gooey texture.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes, this casserole can be assembled ahead of time and frozen before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. It may take an additional 10-15 minutes to cook if it's still cold.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this casserole, simply replace the ground turkey or beef with a plant-based protein like lentils or crumbled tofu. You can also add more vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and carrots, to enhance the flavor and texture of the 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).