Looking for a dinner that feels like a warm hug from the heartland? Let me introduce you to Missouri Casserole: A Delightful Family Dinner Recipe. This crowd-pleasing staple is all about comfort, combining tender ground beef, hearty elbow macaroni, and a saucy tomato base, all blanketed with bubbling cheddar cheese. It’s the kind of dish you whip up when you want everyone at your table to feel cared for, and it’s the ultimate solution for busy nights when you crave something fuss-free yet full of flavor. Whether it’s the golden top or the nostalgic taste, this casserole will quickly earn a spot in your family recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Missouri Casserole: A Delightful Family Dinner Recipe is just how approachable and adaptable the ingredient list is. Each item is a classic pantry staple that brings something special—whether it’s texture, depth, or a pop of flavor—to every forkful.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The savory, meaty backbone that gives the casserole its satisfying heartiness; try to use lean ground beef for less excess grease.
- Uncooked elbow macaroni (1 cup): The iconic pasta shape for classic comfort; it soaks up all the flavorful sauce beautifully.
- Condensed tomato soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): Adds creaminess and binds everything together with rich, sweet-tangy tomato flavor.
- Diced tomatoes, undrained (1 can, 15 ounces): Provides a burst of freshness, acidity, and juicy pockets throughout.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts to a golden, bubbly topper—don’t skimp, as this is pure cheesy comfort.
- Chopped onion (½ cup): Adds subtle sweetness and layers of flavor when cooked with the beef.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): A little goes a long way to infuse the entire casserole with aromatic warmth.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances all the flavors and brings out the best in each ingredient.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Delivers a mild, savory kick that enhances every bite.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): The secret ingredient for deep, umami richness and a little zing.
- Sour cream (½ cup, optional): Stir this in for an ultra-creamy twist that makes the casserole even more luscious.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Sprinkling this on top right before serving adds a touch of bright color and freshness.
How to Make Missouri Casserole: A Delightful Family Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by setting the stage: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures nothing sticks and makes serving those cheesy slices a breeze. Trust me, a little preparation now means a much smoother finish later.
Step 2: Sauté the Beef and Onion
Grab your largest skillet and heat it up over medium. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, breaking up the meat as you go. Cook for about 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent and tender. Drain off any extra fat for a lighter, more flavorful casserole.
Step 3: Cook the Macaroni
Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in the elbow macaroni and cook just until al dente, according to the package directions. Don’t overcook—the noodles will continue softening in the oven. Once done, drain well and set aside.
Step 4: Mix Together the Base
In a large bowl, combine your cooked beef and onion mixture with the cooked macaroni. Pour in the condensed tomato soup, undrained diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. If you’re in the mood for extra creaminess, stir in the sour cream. Mix until everything is coated in that rich, tomatoey sauce.
Step 5: Assemble and Top with Cheese
Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly, making sure every corner is filled. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, piling it high for that irresistible melty finish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your casserole (uncovered) into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbling and just starting to turn golden brown. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before you slice in—this helps it set, so every serving comes out cleanly.
How to Serve Missouri Casserole: A Delightful Family Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, scatter chopped parsley across the top of your Missouri Casserole: A Delightful Family Dinner Recipe. The fresh green flecks not only look inviting but also add a nice contrast to the rich, cheesy bake. You could also try a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or even a pinch of red pepper flakes if your family likes a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
This casserole is pretty much a meal in itself, but a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a side of steamed broccoli makes a refreshing complement. If you’re in the mood to round things out, serve with warm, crusty bread for scooping up every last bit of saucy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to elevate Missouri Casserole: A Delightful Family Dinner Recipe for a special occasion, consider baking individual portions in ramekins for a personalized touch. You could also serve it family-style in a decorative ceramic dish, or add a sprinkle of extra cheese and broil for a spot of bubbly, browned perfection right before bringing it to the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers are a gift with this casserole! Once cooled, place any remaining portions of Missouri Casserole: A Delightful Family Dinner Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld and develop, making subsequent servings practically irresistible.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. After baking and letting it cool completely, wrap the casserole tightly in foil (or transfer to a freezer-safe container). You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. For ultimate convenience, you could even divide into single servings before freezing.
Reheating
To reheat individual portions, use the microwave until hot all the way through (about 2–3 minutes). For larger amounts, cover the entire dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly. If reheating from frozen, let it defrost overnight before baking as above, so everything warms evenly.
FAQs
Can I substitute a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Missouri Casserole: A Delightful Family Dinner Recipe is endlessly adaptable. Try it with ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative if you prefer a lighter or vegetarian version. Just brown and drain the meat as you would with beef, and the rest of the recipe follows right along.
Is there a way to sneak in more vegetables?
Definitely. Chopped green bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or even some zucchini can be sautéed with the beef and onions. This is a smart way to add nutrition, color, and even more heartiness to the dish without changing the classic flavors that make this casserole so beloved.
Can I make Missouri Casserole: A Delightful Family Dinner Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to a day in advance. When you’re ready, just add a couple of minutes to the baking time to account for the chill from the fridge. You’ll love the flexibility this offers for busy schedules or entertaining.
What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?
While sharp cheddar truly shines in this recipe, other cheeses melt well too. Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend for a different flavor. Gouda and mozzarella would also create a creamy, gooey topping if you’re in the mood to experiment.
Does Missouri Casserole: A Delightful Family Dinner Recipe work for picky eaters?
In my experience, absolutely! The familiar flavors of beef, tomato, macaroni, and gooey cheese are loved by kids and adults alike. For especially selective eaters, you can easily leave out onions or use less seasoning, then offer extra cheese or toppings at the table for personalization.
Final Thoughts
From the first golden forkful to the last creamy, tomatoey bite, Missouri Casserole: A Delightful Family Dinner Recipe never fails to bring people together and spark smiles. It’s comforting, customizable, and just the kind of cozy classic every home cook should have up their sleeve. Give it a try and see why so many families (mine included!) come back to this beloved bake time and time again.
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Missouri Casserole: A Delightful Family Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Missouri Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. This cheesy beef and pasta bake is a crowd-pleaser and can be customized with additional veggies for a nutritious twist.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed tomato soup
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef and onion until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Cook the macaroni: Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, then drain.
- Combine ingredients: In a bowl, mix the beef, macaroni, tomato soup, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add sour cream if desired.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with cheddar cheese, and bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Serve: Let it cool for 5 minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for beef.
- Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
