Split Pea Casserole
A hearty casserole combining tender split peas, savory hamburger, and fresh vegetables, baked to perfection—ideal for comforting family dinners and those who enjoy robust flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Simmer split peas in 1 quart of water for 1/2 to 3/4 hour, until tender.
- Drain the cooked split peas.
- Fry together hamburger and chopped onion until browned.
- Add salt and other seasonings as desired.
- Mix in whole tomatoes, diced carrots, and diced celery stalks.
- Add the drained split peas to the mixture and combine thoroughly.
- Transfer everything to a covered casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding garlic or smoked paprika to the hamburger while frying. If you don't have split peas, lentils can be a great substitute, just adjust cooking time. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn for additional nutrition and taste. To enhance the dish's richness, try stirring in some grated cheese just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the split pea casserole hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color and flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, you might also consider serving it alongside a side of roasted vegetables or cornbread.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover split pea casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through, or microwave individual servings for a quicker option. It also freezes well for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Split Pea Casserole contains roughly 419 calories, with 13g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (82% of the Daily Value), and potassium (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1274mg per serving (55% 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 use dried split peas instead of split peas?
Yes, dried split peas are the main ingredient for this casserole. Just simmer them until tender before adding to the mixture. Make sure to rinse and sort them before cooking to remove any debris. Dried split peas usually take about 30-40 minutes to cook depending on their age.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Absolutely! You can omit the hamburger and replace it with a plant-based meat substitute or simply add more vegetables. You might also consider using vegetable broth instead of water for simmering the split peas to deepen the flavor. This vegetarian version remains hearty and satisfying.
How can I make the casserole spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes when you sauté the onion and hamburger. You can also serve the casserole with a side of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for those who enjoy an extra kick.
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).