Mrs. Texas Casserole
Mrs. Texas Casserole is a hearty, cheesy baked dish with savory beef, creamy noodles, and fresh green onions, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. thin noodles, cooked ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) pkg. cream cheese ⓘ
- 1 c. sour cream ⓘ
- 6 green onions with tops, chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. sharp cheese, grated ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and drain off the fat.
- Add salt, sugar, canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, garlic powder, and pepper to the meat.
- Combine cooked noodles, cream cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions.
- Add this mixture to the meat and vegetable mixture.
- Pour into a 2 1/2-quart casserole dish and top with grated cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat. If you want to add more veggies, consider incorporating diced bell peppers or mushrooms. For a creamier texture, swap out the cream cheese with a blend of cream cheese and cottage cheese. You can also use gluten-free noodles for a gluten-free option. This casserole can also be customized with your favorite cheese or spices to enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a side of mixed greens or a simple garden salad to balance the richness. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or garlic bread for a satisfying meal. You can also top with additional chopped green onions or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor. For a more casual setting, consider pairing it with your favorite American recipes like Busy Day Beef Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. You can also microwave individual portions, heating in 30-second increments until warmed through. This dish can be frozen before baking for a quick meal later.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mrs. Texas Casserole contains roughly 455 calories, with 25g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (50% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1068mg per serving (46% 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 baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through. Alternatively, you can freeze it and bake it directly from frozen, adjusting the baking time accordingly.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
If you're looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for ground beef. For a vegetarian version, consider using plant-based ground meat alternatives or a mix of beans and lentils for protein. Adjust seasoning levels accordingly, as some substitutions may require additional spices to enhance flavor.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
To add some heat, consider including diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce in the meat mixture. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of sharp cheese for a spicy kick. For an extra twist, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking. This will give your casserole a delightful heat that complements the other flavors.
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).