Neapolitan Beef Casserole
A hearty Italian-inspired beef casserole combining savory ground beef, mushrooms, spinach, and tomatoes, topped with cheeses and baked to perfection—ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Brown the ground chuck in a skillet.
- Add pepper, sliced mushrooms, stewed tomatoes, and thawed spinach to the beef.
- Simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Add uncooked noodles and sauce to the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 25 minutes.
- Before serving, garnish with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
- May be prepared ahead of time and frozen.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of ground chuck. You can also substitute the noodles with zucchini noodles for a gluten-free alternative. If you enjoy more flavor, add garlic and Italian herbs to the beef mixture. To save time, use pre-shredded cheese and frozen diced onions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Garlic and Olive Oil Pasta for a comforting Italian-inspired dinner. For a heartier meal, consider serving with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to avoid drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Neapolitan Beef Casserole contains roughly 291 calories, with 23g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (125% of the Daily Value), iron (121% of the Daily Value), and potassium (61% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. At about 291 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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. Simply assemble it, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the foil and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it's cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of stewed tomatoes?
If you don't have stewed tomatoes, diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute. You can also use tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, just be mindful of the texture they will bring to the dish.
Is this casserole suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Prepare it fully, then cool it completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
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).