Mother'S Ground Beef Special
A hearty ground beef casserole featuring savory tomato sauce, vegetables, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers. Mellowed overnight for rich flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. shell macaroni ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. butter ⓘ
- 2 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 3 medium onions ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, minced ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 4 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce
- 1 can whole kernel corn, drained ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) can mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1 c. grated cheese
- 1 Tbsp. brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 c. cooking sherry ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni until al dente, then drain.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a skillet and brown the ground chuck with chopped onions, minced green pepper, and garlic.
- Transfer the browned mixture to a 3-quart casserole dish.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, then add the drained corn, drained mushrooms, grated cheese, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cooking sherry, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well, cover, and refrigerate overnight to mellow the flavors.
- Take out the casserole 2 hours before baking and preheat the oven to 250°F.
- Bake covered for 2 hours or until bubbling.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using beef broth instead of cooking sherry. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground chuck with lentils or a meat alternative. Adding extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms can enhance the dish. If you want a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or garlic bread. For a complete meal, serve it with steamed vegetables or a light coleslaw. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, can brighten the dish before serving. For a delightful dessert, consider making Banana-Honey Bread to complement your dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in individual portions for quick meals. This casserole also freezes well; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mother'S Ground Beef Special contains roughly 725 calories, with 12g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (25% of the Daily Value) and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1253mg per serving (54% 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
What can I serve with this casserole?
Consider pairing this dish with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. You could also serve roasted vegetables on the side for added nutrition and flavor.
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).