Working Parents' Casserole
A comforting casserole combining macaroni, ground beef, peas, and tomato soup, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners with hearty, familiar flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni until al dente and drain.
- Meanwhile, brown the ground beef in a skillet and sauté chopped onion until translucent.
- Layer in a glass casserole dish: macaroni mixed with a little tomato soup, then peas, then ground beef mixture.
- Pour the remaining tomato soup over the top of the layered ingredients.
- Cover the casserole with a lid or foil.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider seasoning the ground beef with garlic powder or Italian herbs. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you don’t have tomato soup, a can of diced tomatoes or marinara sauce can work as a great alternative. For a creamier texture, mix in a cup of shredded cheese before baking, similar to what you'd find in Baked Beef And Noodle Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a comforting touch. For a twist, consider serving alongside a light yogurt-based dip, like those found in Dip Meat Balls recipes, to add a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Working Parents' Casserole contains roughly 323 calories, with 10g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (44% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. It also contributes 6g 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 assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of frozen peas?
If you don’t have frozen peas, you can replace them with corn or chopped bell peppers for a different flavor and texture. Fresh vegetables can also be used, but make sure to cook them slightly before adding to the casserole to ensure they are tender when served.
Can this recipe be made in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this in a slow cooker, brown the beef and onion first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. This method allows flavors to meld beautifully while you're busy with other tasks.
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).