Vermicelli
A hearty and cheesy ground beef and vermicelli casserole with tomatoes and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground sirloin and chopped onions in a skillet.
- Cook vermicelli noodles according to package instructions, then drain.
- Grate the Longhorn/Colby cheese and set aside.
- Drain the cooked meat mixture.
- Combine the cooked noodles with the drained meat and onions.
- Add the Italian stewed tomatoes to the mixture and stir well.
- Mix in the grated cheese until evenly distributed.
- Season to taste and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing garlic or bell peppers with the onions. You can substitute the ground sirloin with ground turkey or a plant-based protein for a lighter or vegetarian option. If Longhorn/Colby cheese is unavailable, a blend of cheddar and mozzarella works well. To enhance the dish, add Italian herbs or spices like basil or oregano.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a heartier option. For a comforting dessert, consider rounding off your meal with Heath Bar Ice Cream, which adds a delightful finish to your dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the noodles from drying out. You can also microwave it in a covered dish until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vermicelli contains roughly 499 calories, with 57g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (115% of the Daily Value) and calcium (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1140mg per serving (50% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat and noodle mixture ahead of time. Just store them separately in the refrigerator and combine with cheese and tomatoes just before serving. This allows the flavors to meld while keeping the noodles from becoming soggy.
What can I use instead of Italian stewed tomatoes?
If you can't find Italian stewed tomatoes, you can use crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes mixed with Italian seasoning. This will give you a similar flavor profile while maintaining the dish's essence.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Just ensure it's in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake until heated through. This makes it a great make-ahead meal!
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).