My Favorite Casserole
A hearty casserole blending seasoned ground beef, vegetables, tomatoes, and cheese, perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering comforting flavors with a savory, cheesy finish.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 chopped green pepper
- 1 chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 can cream-style corn ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 can tomato soup ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 can tomatoes with green chilies ⓘ
- 1 (2 1/4 oz.) can black olives ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) jar pimentos, diced and drained ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. celery salt
- 1/2 tsp. dry mustard
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. wide noodles ⓘ
- 2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook ground beef, green pepper, and onion until the meat is browned.
- Add the cream-style corn, tomato sauce, tomato soup, mushrooms, tomatoes with green chilies, black olives, diced pimentos, chili powder, celery salt, dry mustard, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Add the cooked noodles and stir well to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a large baking dish, cover, and bake in a 350°F oven for 50 minutes.
- Sprinkle with shredded Cheddar cheese and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding garlic or using a mix of ground beef and turkey. You can substitute the wide noodles with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, or even use rice for a different texture. If you want to add vegetables, diced carrots or zucchini work well. For a spicier kick, include jalapeños or use spicy tomatoes with green chilies.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole can be served with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Beef, Cheese And Noodle Casserole for a comforting dinner spread. You can also top individual servings with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness and color.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions on medium power until warm, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Favorite Casserole contains roughly 269 calories, with 12g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 10g 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it without baking, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the refrigerator, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well in this recipe. For a vegetarian option, you can use lentils or a mix of beans like black beans or kidney beans, which will maintain a hearty texture.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Once it has cooled completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking, and you may need to adjust the baking time accordingly.
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).