Vivian'S Casserole
A comforting casserole combining tender leftover veal or pork with noodles, mushrooms, and cheesy topping, perfect for a hearty family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 to 3 cups veal or pork (cooked, leftover) ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons catsup ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon oil ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon minced onion ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 8 ounces cooked noodles ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sliced pimento ⓘ
- 2 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 cup mushrooms (fresh or canned) ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine the cooked meat, lemon juice, salt, pepper, catsup, oil, minced onion, and minced garlic in a pot.
- Simmer slowly for about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Mix the meat mixture with cooked noodles, sliced pimento, chicken broth, and mushrooms.
- Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with shredded cheese and crumbled potato chips.
- Bake at 325°F until it bubbles and the cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, use turkey instead of veal or pork, and opt for whole grain noodles. You can replace catsup with tomato sauce for a fresher taste, and if you don’t have pimento, bell peppers or olives work well. Adding herbs like thyme or oregano can enhance the flavor. Be sure to simmer the mixture long enough to let the flavors meld.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to serve as a main dish, but pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For added crunch, consider serving with a side of Potato Yummies. This dish also complements a light beverage like a Lo-Cal Pseudo Bloody Mary Sipper for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake at 325°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be careful not to overcook the cheese topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vivian'S Casserole contains roughly 353 calories, with 6g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2247mg per serving (98% 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 frozen noodles for this casserole?
Yes, you can use frozen noodles; just ensure they are thawed and cooked according to the package instructions before mixing them into the casserole. This will help prevent excess moisture that could make the dish too watery.
What type of cheese works best for topping?
Cheddar is a great choice for its meltability and flavor, but you could also try mozzarella for a gooey texture or a blend for more complexity. If you're feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of Parmesan can add a nice salty finish.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
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).