Pacific Casserole
A hearty Pacific-inspired casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and cheesy noodles, perfect for comforting family dinners with bold flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 3/4 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 (16 1/2 oz.) can creamed corn ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can tomato soup ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) can tomatoes with chilies ⓘ
- 1 (2 1/4 oz.) can sliced black olives, drained ⓘ
- 1 jar chopped pimento, drained ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. celery salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder
- 1/2 tsp. dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 8 oz. wide egg noodles, cooked ⓘ
- 2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef with chopped green pepper and chopped onion until meat is browned and vegetables are tender.
- Drain the mixture to remove excess fat and liquid.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture with creamed corn, tomato sauce, tomato soup, mushrooms, tomatoes with chilies, sliced black olives, chopped pimento, celery salt, chili powder, dry mustard, and black pepper.
- Add the cooked wide egg noodles and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavors, consider adding minced garlic or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the ground beef mixture. If you prefer a spicier dish, use hot diced tomatoes instead of mild. For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey and low-fat cheese. This casserole is versatile; you can swap the egg noodles for whole grain pasta or skip them altogether for a lower-carb option.
Serving Suggestions
This Pacific Casserole pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside garlic bread or cornbread. It also makes a great dish for potlucks or family gatherings, as it can easily feed a crowd. For those interested in similar flavors, check out related Beef recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for quick meals, ensuring they are covered to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pacific Casserole contains roughly 404 calories, with 16g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (97% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value), and iron (37% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 649mg per serving (28% 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 prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day ahead. Assemble it without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian version. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, especially if using a meat alternative that may require less cooking.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Freeze the casserole in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
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).