Seven Decker Dinner
Seven Decker Dinner is a hearty layered casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, tender noodles, melted American cheese, and fresh vegetables, all baked to perfection. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners, offering bold flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 3 cups wide noodles, cooked and drained
- 4 slices American cheese, cut in strips ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, sliced ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, cut in rings ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato juice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon herb seasoning ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet.
- Drain off the fat from the beef.
- Arrange in layers the cooked noodles, half of the cheese strips, sliced onion, ground beef, green pepper rings, and diced tomatoes in a casserole dish.
- Mix together the tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, garlic salt, herb seasoning, and pepper.
- Pour the tomato mixture over the layered casserole.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
- During the last 5 minutes of baking, arrange the remaining cheese strips over the casserole.
- Heat until the cheese melts.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier meal, consider adding some cooked mushrooms or spinach to the layers. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you don’t have American cheese, Cheddar or Monterey Jack works well. For extra flavor, sprinkle some Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes into the layers.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a touch of freshness, serve with a side of steamed vegetables. Consider offering a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for added flavor.
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 until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but the oven will help keep the cheese nicely melted.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Seven Decker Dinner contains roughly 140 calories, with 5g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 704mg per serving (31% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
What can I do if I don't have wide noodles?
If wide noodles aren't available, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type. The casserole will still turn out delicious with any pasta variation.
Can I freeze the Seven Decker Dinner?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. This is a great way to have a comforting meal ready to go.
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).