Straw And Hay Casserole
A hearty casserole blending pasta, spinach, and savory meats with cheesy goodness, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers seeking rich, flavorful bites.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground round or sweet Italian sausage ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 1/4 lb. fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) package fettucine noodles ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups water ⓘ
- 2 chicken flavored bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- A dash of nutmeg ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook fettucine noodles according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water.
- Brown ground round or sweet Italian sausage in a large skillet.
- If using sausage, remove casing and crumble the sausage into the skillet.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until tender.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cooked spinach; cook until mushrooms are slightly browned.
- Remove the mixture from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter or margarine over medium heat.
- Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, to make a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and water, then add chicken bouillon cubes.
- Cook until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in shredded Cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, and a dash of nutmeg.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the meat and vegetable mixture.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta mixture and mix well.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey for the sausage and use whole wheat fettucine. If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding garlic or Italian herbs to the meat mixture. You can also use different cheeses based on your preference, such as mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses. If you don't have chicken bouillon cubes, homemade chicken stock works well too.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of white wine or sparkling water can complement the dish nicely. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a side of your favorite American recipes like coleslaw or baked beans.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Straw And Hay Casserole contains roughly 1174 calories, with 54g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (108% of the Daily Value), calcium (59% of the Daily Value), and iron (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 880mg per serving (38% 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 assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
Can I freeze the Straw And Hay Casserole?
Absolutely! After assembly, cover the casserole tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's still a bit cold in the center.
What can I use instead of fettucine noodles?
You can substitute fettucine with other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or even whole grain pasta, which will work well with the creamy sauce and meat mixture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.
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).