Reunion Casserole
A hearty casserole combining cheesy pasta, seasoned ground beef, and fresh vegetables, baked to perfection with melted cheese—perfect for family dinners and comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the Kraft macaroni and cheese dinner according to package directions, then add the undiluted cream of mushroom soup and set aside.
- Saute ground hamburger, chopped onions, chopped bell pepper, and chopped jalapeno pepper; season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook until the meat is done and vegetables are tender.
- Add the prepared macaroni and cheese mixture to the cooked meat and vegetables.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake in a 350°F oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or sour cream to the macaroni and cheese mixture before combining it with the meat and vegetables. If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with a homemade white sauce or another canned soup like cream of chicken. Feel free to adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of jalapeno pepper.
Serving Suggestions
This Reunion Casserole is hearty enough to be served on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a side salad like Gourmet Pea Salad or crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside some steamed vegetables or a simple fruit salad to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Reunion Casserole contains roughly 347 calories, with 14g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (163% of the Daily Value), protein (27% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2585mg per serving (112% 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 it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can easily substitute the hamburger with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a healthier or vegetarian option. Just ensure the meat is cooked thoroughly before mixing it with the other ingredients.
What can I do if I don't have all the vegetables?
No worries! This casserole is very adaptable. If you're missing any of the vegetables listed, you can use frozen mixed vegetables or any vegetables you have on hand, such as zucchini or corn. The dish will still turn out delicious!
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).