West Texas Casserole
A hearty West Texas casserole combining ground meat, vegetables, and noodles topped with cheese and olives, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° to 400°.
- Cook the ground meat, chopped onion, and chopped bell pepper until the meat is browned and vegetables are tender.
- Mix the cooked noodles with the tomato soup and water, then combine with the cooked meat and vegetables.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish.
- Bake until heated through and bubbly, about 20-30 minutes.
- Grate cheese on top and add sliced olives before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding black beans or corn to the casserole mixture. You can substitute the ground meat with turkey or a plant-based option for a lighter, vegetarian alternative. If you prefer more spice, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the mix. This dish is versatile and pairs well with a fresh side like Strawberry Salad And Sweet Vinaigrette Dressing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the West Texas Casserole hot, topped with grated cheese and sliced olives for added flavor. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad or some homemade cornbread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Chili Mac*(Low-Fat, Cholesterol And Calories) for a comforting, filling dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to keep moisture in, for about 2-3 minutes or until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of West Texas Casserole contains roughly 221 calories, with 4g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (175% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Just assemble all the ingredients in the casserole dish, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the foil and bake at 350°F until heated through, usually about 30-40 minutes.
What can I do if I don't have tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup on hand, you can substitute it with a mixture of crushed tomatoes and a bit of sugar to achieve a similar flavor. Alternatively, use marinara sauce for a richer taste. Adjust the water content accordingly to maintain the desired consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! The West Texas Casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as usual.
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).