Five-soup Casserole

Five-Soup Casserole Recipe with Ground Beef and Cheddar Cheese

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 8

Introduction

Five-soup casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines ground beef, vegetables, noodles, and five different types of soup for a rich and flavorful meal. Topped with melted cheese and crunchy fried onion pieces, this casserole is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

The origins of the five-soup casserole are unclear, but it is believed to have been created as a way to use up leftover cans of soup in the pantry. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include a variety of ingredients and flavors, making it a versatile and customizable dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) ground beef
1 chopped green pepper
1 cup celery, finely chopped
2 green onions, including stalk
8 oz (227 g) pasta shells or noodles of your choice (I prefer noodles)
1 can undiluted mushroom soup
1 can undiluted tomato soup
1 can undiluted cream of chicken soup
1 can undiluted onion soup
2 cans undiluted cream of celery soup
shredded cheddar cheese (to taste)
crushed potato chips or fried dry chinese noodles, fried onion pieces

How to prepare

Cook the hamburger with green pepper, celery, and onion.
Drain and set aside.
Boil the pasta and set aside.
In a saucepan, mix all the soups together without diluting.
Heat the mixture thoroughly until blended. The soups may not look appealing, but the taste is incredible.
Combine all the ingredients in a large casserole dish and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 1 hour or until bubbly.
Return the casserole to the oven with cheese and other desired toppings and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Allow the casserole to rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter version of this dish.
Add in your favorite vegetables such as carrots, peas, or corn for added nutrition and flavor.
Use different types of cheese or toppings to customize the casserole to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the cooked ground beef to remove excess fat and grease before adding it to the casserole.

- You can customize this recipe by using different types of soup or adding in your favorite vegetables or seasonings.

- For a healthier version, you can use lean ground beef or ground turkey and low-sodium soups.

- Make sure to let the casserole rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Five-soup casserole can be served on its own as a complete meal, or paired with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include browning the ground beef, boiling the noodles, and mixing and heating the soups together before baking the casserole in the oven.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can easily substitute different types of soup or vegetables in this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover the casserole dish with foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the five-soup casserole in a large casserole dish or individual ramekins for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or additional cheese before serving.

Pairing Recommendations

Five-soup casserole pairs well with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover five-soup casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of five-soup casserole contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of five-soup casserole contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of five-soup casserole contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of five-soup casserole contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Five-soup casserole is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and wheat (noodles), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Five-soup casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that is high in protein and fat, making it a filling meal option. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, but may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Five-soup casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that is easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. With a rich and flavorful combination of ground beef, vegetables, noodles, and five different types of soup, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of awe. It was passed down to me by my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, who I met at a cooking class many years ago. She was a master in the kitchen, with a wealth of knowledge and experience that she was always eager to share.

The Five-Soup Casserole was one of her signature dishes, a comforting and hearty meal that she would often make for her family on cold winter nights. I remember the first time I tried it - the rich flavors, the layers of different soups blending together perfectly, and the crispy topping of breadcrumbs and cheese. It was love at first bite.

Mrs. Jenkins was kind enough to teach me her recipe, guiding me through each step with patience and encouragement. It was a labor of love, she said, and I soon came to understand why. The key to a good Five-Soup Casserole, she explained, was in the careful balance of flavors and textures. Each soup had to complement the others, adding its own unique touch to the overall dish.

The first soup in the casserole was a creamy tomato basil, made with fresh tomatoes, basil, and a touch of cream. It provided a rich and savory base for the dish, setting the tone for the other soups to follow. Next came a hearty chicken and vegetable soup, filled with chunks of tender chicken, carrots, celery, and potatoes. Its warmth and depth of flavor added a comforting element to the casserole.

The third soup was a spicy black bean and corn chili, with a kick of cumin and chili powder that added a bold and smoky flavor to the dish. It contrasted beautifully with the sweetness of the fourth soup, a creamy butternut squash and apple bisque. The smooth and velvety texture of the bisque lent a touch of elegance to the casserole, balancing out the heartier soups.

The fifth and final soup was a rich and indulgent lobster bisque, made with chunks of tender lobster meat and a splash of sherry. Its decadent flavor elevated the dish to new heights, adding a touch of luxury that made it perfect for special occasions.

Once all the soups were prepared, I would carefully layer them in a baking dish, starting with the tomato basil at the bottom and finishing with the lobster bisque on top. I would then top the casserole with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated cheese, creating a crispy and golden crust that added a delightful crunch to each bite.

As the casserole baked in the oven, the aromas would fill my kitchen, tempting me with their enticing scents. I would watch through the oven door as the cheese melted and bubbled, the breadcrumbs turning a perfect shade of golden brown. When it was finally done, I would eagerly serve it to my family, their eyes lighting up with anticipation as they took their first bite.

The Five-Soup Casserole became a beloved favorite in our household, a dish that we would often make for special occasions or just to warm our hearts on a cold winter night. It was a reminder of the love and care that went into each meal, a tradition that I was proud to pass down to my own children and grandchildren.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the memories of all the dishes I have learned to make over the years, the Five-Soup Casserole remains a cherished recipe in my collection. It is a testament to the power of good food and good company, a reminder of the joy that comes from sharing a meal with loved ones.

And as I take a bite of that delicious casserole, savoring the flavors and textures that Mrs. Jenkins taught me to create, I am filled with a sense of awe once again. Awe at the beauty of food, the joy of cooking, and the love that goes into every dish we make. And I am grateful for the lessons learned, the recipes shared, and the memories made along the way.