Meat Casserole

Delicious Meat Casserole Recipe with Noodles, Tomato Juice, and More

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours and 15 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Meat Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. This hearty casserole is packed with tender meat, vegetables, and noodles, all baked together in a savory tomato sauce. It's a simple and satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.

History

Casseroles have been a popular dish in American cuisine for decades. The concept of a casserole, which is essentially a one-dish meal that is baked in the oven, has been around since the early 20th century. Meat Casserole, in particular, has been a staple in many households, as it is an easy and economical way to feed a family.

Ingredients

0.5 cup uncooked noodles
5 cup tomato juice
4 cup finely chopped celery
1 cup finely chopped green pepper
4 cup cooked and cubed meat
0.25 tsp freshly ground pepper
3 tsp salt (0.5 tsp would suffice)
1 tsp diet margarine

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients.
Transfer the mixture into a well-greased casserole dish. You can use a non-stick pan spray as per today's standard.
Bake for 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Alternatively, you can also cook it in a crockpot, considering the convenience of modern times.

Variations

Add in some cheese on top of the casserole for a cheesy twist.
Use different types of meat, such as ground beef or shredded chicken, for a different flavor profile.
Experiment with different seasonings and herbs to customize the dish to your taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the noodles al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.

- You can use any type of meat in this casserole, such as beef, chicken, or turkey.

- Feel free to add in any additional vegetables or seasonings to customize the dish to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Meat Casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also pair it with some crusty bread or dinner rolls for a hearty and satisfying dinner.

Cooking Techniques

Baking, slow cooking in a crockpot

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of pasta in place of noodles.

- Substitute the tomato juice with tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes.

- Use butter or oil in place of diet margarine.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Meat Casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. This is a great option for busy weeknights when you want a quick and easy dinner.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Meat Casserole in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation. You can also garnish with fresh herbs or grated cheese for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Meat Casserole with a glass of red wine or a cold beer for a delicious and satisfying meal. You can also serve it with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a complete dinner.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or bake in the oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- 250 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 15g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 3g

Fats

- Total Fat: 8g

- Saturated Fat: 3g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 20g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10% DV

- Vitamin C: 30% DV

- Calcium: 6% DV

- Iron: 15% DV

Alergens

Contains wheat and soy

Summary

This Meat Casserole is a well-balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is relatively low in carbohydrates and fats, making it a healthy option for a family dinner.

Summary

Meat Casserole is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner. Packed with tender meat, vegetables, and noodles, this casserole is a hearty and satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish is a great option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a dreary winter afternoon, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had belonged to my mother. As I turned the pages, my eyes landed on a recipe for Meat Casserole that immediately caught my attention.

I had never heard of Meat Casserole before, but the ingredients listed were ones that I was familiar with – ground beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and a variety of spices. The method of cooking seemed simple enough, but the end result promised to be delicious and hearty. I knew that I had to give it a try.

I decided to make the Meat Casserole for dinner that night. I gathered all the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen, following the recipe carefully. As the casserole simmered on the stove, filling the air with a mouth-watering aroma, I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of my labor.

When the casserole was finally ready, I served it up hot and steaming on a bed of fluffy rice. The first bite was a revelation – the flavors melded together perfectly, creating a rich and comforting dish that warmed me from the inside out. It was a dish that spoke of home and hearth, of love and care.

From that moment on, Meat Casserole became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on a quiet evening at home. Each time I prepared it, I would tweak the recipe a little, adding a pinch of this or a dash of that to make it truly my own.

Over the years, I learned that the recipe for Meat Casserole was a versatile one. I could substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, or add in vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to bulk up the dish. I even experimented with different cheeses on top, from gooey mozzarella to sharp cheddar.

But no matter how I tweaked the recipe, the essence of the Meat Casserole remained the same – a comforting, soul-satisfying dish that never failed to bring a smile to the faces of those who tasted it. It became a dish that my family requested over and over again, a dish that was synonymous with love and warmth in our household.

As the years passed, I shared the recipe for Meat Casserole with friends and neighbors, passing on the tradition of this beloved dish to a new generation. I taught my grandchildren how to make it, guiding their hands as they stirred the pot and seasoned the meat. And each time they cooked it, I could see the same joy and satisfaction in their eyes that I had felt when I first discovered the recipe.

The recipe for Meat Casserole had become more than just a dish to me – it was a connection to the past, a link to my mother and grandmothers who had cooked before me. It was a way to preserve their memory, to honor them through the simple act of preparing a meal with love and care.

And so, as I sit here now, surrounded by my family and friends, I am grateful for the recipe for Meat Casserole that came into my life all those years ago. It has nourished us, comforted us, and brought us together in ways that I never could have imagined.

As I prepare to pass on this recipe to the next generation, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and love. For in this simple dish lies the essence of who we are – a family bound together by tradition, by food, and by the enduring power of love. And for that, I am truly thankful.