South Favorite Casserole
A hearty Southern casserole combining bacon, ground beef, noodles, peas, and cheese, topped with crunchy crumbs—perfect for comforting family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon, ground beef, and chopped onion until lightly browned; drain excess fat.
- Mix the cooked meat mixture with cream of mushroom soup and green peas.
- Drain the cooked noodles.
- Divide the noodle mixture evenly into two 3 1/2-quart casserole dishes.
- Top each casserole with buttered cracker or bread crumbs.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the crumbs and casserole surfaces.
- Bake at 325°F for 45 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef and use low-fat cream of mushroom soup. You can add fresh vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition. If you don't have buttered cracker crumbs, use crushed potato chips or panko breadcrumbs for a different texture. For added flavor, consider including chopped mushrooms, if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Easy S.O.S. for a comforting dinner. For a family-style gathering, consider offering cornbread or garlic bread on the side to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of South Favorite Casserole contains roughly 962 calories, with 31g protein, 127g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (62% of the Daily Value), iron (36% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 470mg per serving (20% 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?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
Is it possible to freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer not to use cream of mushroom soup, you can make a homemade version using a roux of butter and flour, combined with vegetable or chicken broth and mushrooms. This will give you a creamy consistency without the canned soup.
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).