Sally's Ladies Casserole (Though the men like it, too!)

Sally's Ladies Casserole Recipe | Ground Beef and Pork with Cream Cheese and Almonds

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Sally's Ladies Casserole (Though the men like it, too!)

Sally's Ladies Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that has been a favorite among many for years. This casserole is a perfect combination of ground beef, ground pork, creamy tomato soup, and a variety of other delicious ingredients. It is a great dish to make for a family dinner or a potluck gathering.

History

The origins of Sally's Ladies Casserole are a bit unclear, but it is believed to have been a popular dish in the mid-20th century. The recipe has been passed down through generations and has become a staple in many households. It is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) ground beef
0.5 lb (227 g) ground pork
2 onions, finely chopped
20 oz (567 g) can tomato soup [1]
3 oz (85 g) package cream cheese
butter
0.25 cup chopped almonds
2 tbsp sugar
1.5 tbsp worcestershire sauce
2 tsp salt
0.25 tsp pepper
0.5 lb (227 g) wide noodles
0.5 lb (227 g) mushrooms
0.5 cup crushed cornflakes

How to prepare

Cook beef, pork, and onions in 2 tbsp of butter until golden brown.
Add tomato soup, crumbled cream cheese, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Ensure that the noodles are cooked and ready in a large greased casserole dish.
Pour the meat mixture over the noodles.
In 1 tbsp of butter, brown the mushrooms and spread them on top of the casserole.
Sprinkle crushed cornflakes on top.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 30 minutes.
Five or ten minutes before serving, sprinkle chopped almonds over the top and let them toast slightly.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground beef and pork with lentils or tofu.
You can add different vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the casserole for added flavor and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the meat and onions until they are golden brown to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Be sure to simmer the meat mixture until it thickens to ensure that the casserole has a rich and creamy texture.

- Toasting the almonds before sprinkling them on top of the casserole adds a nice crunch and depth of flavor to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Sally's Ladies Casserole can be served with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs well with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for Sally's Ladies Casserole include browning the meat and onions, simmering the meat mixture until thickened, and baking the casserole until heated through.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef and pork.

- If you don't have cream cheese, you can substitute it with sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare Sally's Ladies Casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Simply cover the casserole dish with foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

To make Sally's Ladies Casserole more visually appealing, you can sprinkle chopped parsley or fresh herbs on top before serving. You can also serve it in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Sally's Ladies Casserole pairs well with a side of garlic bread or dinner rolls. It also goes well with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Sally's Ladies Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Sally's Ladies Casserole contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Sally's Ladies Casserole contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Sally's Ladies Casserole contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Sally's Ladies Casserole contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Sally's Ladies Casserole is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream cheese) and nuts (almonds). It may also contain gluten if using regular noodles.

Summary

Sally's Ladies Casserole is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious meal option.

Summary

Sally's Ladies Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering. With its rich and creamy tomato sauce, tender meat, and crunchy toppings, this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Sally at her cozy little cottage by the lake. Sally was always known for being an amazing cook, and she had a way of turning simple ingredients into the most delicious dishes.

As I walked into her kitchen that day, I was greeted by the most incredible aroma. Sally was busy at work, chopping vegetables and simmering a savory sauce on the stove. I asked her what she was making, and she replied with a twinkle in her eye, "Oh, just a little something I like to call Sally's Ladies Casserole. Though the men like it, too!"

I watched in awe as she expertly layered the ingredients in a large baking dish - tender chicken, creamy mushrooms, fragrant herbs, and plenty of gooey cheese. She then popped it into the oven, and before long, the entire kitchen was filled with the irresistible scent of bubbling cheese and herbs.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I took my first bite of Sally's Ladies Casserole and was transported to culinary heaven. The flavors melded together perfectly, creating a dish that was both comforting and sophisticated. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this incredible casserole for myself.

Sally was more than happy to share her recipe with me, and she walked me through each step with patience and kindness. She told me about how she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. The dish was a family favorite, and Sally had put her own twist on it over the years, adding in extra herbs and spices to make it truly her own.

I made the casserole for my family that very weekend, and it was a huge hit. My husband and children couldn't get enough of it, and they begged me to make it again and again. I knew then that Sally's Ladies Casserole would become a staple in our household.

Over the years, I have made Sally's Ladies Casserole for countless gatherings and dinner parties. It has always been a hit, and I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors who have all fallen in love with it. I have even passed it down to my own grandchildren, who now make it for their own families.

The recipe has become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire, and every time I make it, I think back to that sunny day at Sally's cottage by the lake. I am grateful for the friendship and the delicious recipe that she shared with me, and I know that it will continue to bring joy and comfort to those who taste it for many years to come.

So here's to Sally's Ladies Casserole - a dish that transcends time and brings people together around the dinner table. And remember, though the name may say "ladies," this casserole is sure to be enjoyed by all!