Oh my goodness, let me tell you about Missouri casserole! This dish is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights in or family gatherings. I remember growing up, my mom would whip up this hearty casserole whenever we needed a little extra warmth in our bellies. The layers of flavors and textures just blend together so beautifully, and it always brings back memories of laughter and love around the dinner table. Trust me, once you dive into this dish, you’ll understand why Missouri casserole is such a beloved classic. It’s easy to make, filling, and just downright delicious—what’s not to love? So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to create your mouthwatering Missouri casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s not just hearty but also rich in flavor. Feel free to customize with your favorites, but trust me, this lineup is a winner!
How to Prepare Missouri Casserole
Let’s get this delicious Missouri casserole in the oven! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because you want everything to bake evenly and come out just perfect.
Next, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Make sure you don’t overcook them; we want them al dente since they’ll soak up some saucy goodness in the oven. Once they’re done, drain and set them aside.
Now, grab a skillet and brown that ground beef with the chopped onions over medium heat. The smell will be amazing, so resist the urge to snack on it right then! Once the beef is fully cooked and browned, drain any excess fat—nobody wants a greasy casserole. Then, stir in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it all together until it’s nice and creamy.
Time to bring it all together! Add the cooked noodles to the beef mixture and stir until it’s well combined. Pour this hearty mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Now for the best part—sprinkle that shredded cheddar cheese generously on top. Yum!
Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it; it’s done when it’s bubbly and golden on top. Once it’s out, let it cool for a few minutes before digging in. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Missouri casserole is truly a dish that you’ll fall in love with for so many reasons! Here are just a few:
- Hearty and filling: This dish packs a punch with its layers of beef, noodles, and creamy goodness, leaving everyone satisfied.
- Easy to prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
- Versatile with ingredient options: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap proteins; it’s a canvas for your culinary creativity!
- Great for meal prep: Make it ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week—hello, easy lunches!
- Perfect for family gatherings: This casserole is a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for potlucks and family dinners.
Trust me, once you try this Missouri casserole, you’ll be excited to share it with everyone!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Missouri casserole comes out absolutely perfect, here are some of my go-to tips! First, when browning the ground beef, make sure you break it up into small pieces. This way, it cooks evenly and gets that nice caramelization. If you’re looking for more flavor, consider adding some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef. Don’t forget to taste your mixture before baking—adjust the seasoning to your liking! And oh, be cautious not to overbake; you want that cheese to be melty and the casserole to be bubbly, but not dry. Trust me, these little tips will make a big difference!
Variations of Missouri Casserole
One of the best things about Missouri casserole is its versatility! You can easily switch things up to suit your taste or what you have on hand. For a lighter option, try using ground turkey or even shredded chicken instead of beef. If you want to sneak in some veggies, consider adding frozen peas, corn, or even diced bell peppers for a pop of color and nutrition. And let’s not forget about cheese! Swap the cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little kick. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover Missouri casserole is a breeze! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days, ready for you to enjoy later. If you want to save it for even longer, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to portion it out for easy reheating!
To reheat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight if frozen, then pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through and bubbly. You can also microwave individual portions—just keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. Enjoy every warm, comforting bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of Missouri casserole. Each cup contains approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 2g
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portions, so consider this as a helpful guideline while enjoying your delicious meal!
FAQ Section
Got questions about Missouri casserole? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries:
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Missouri casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it a day in advance, cover it, and pop it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve!
What can I serve with Missouri casserole?
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some steamed veggies. You could even serve it with warm, crusty bread to soak up all that deliciousness!
Can I use gluten-free noodles?
Yes, you can! Just swap out the egg noodles for your favorite gluten-free pasta. It’ll still turn out wonderfully tasty!
How do I store leftovers?
Let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll last in the fridge for about 3-4 days, or you can freeze them for longer enjoyment!
Can I add more veggies?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or even zucchini for an extra nutritional boost!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Pasta or Baked Mac and Cheese.
Print
Missouri casserole: 7 Comforting Ways to Enjoy It Today
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Missouri casserole is a hearty dish made with layers of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook egg noodles according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef and onions over medium heat.
- Drain excess fat from the beef.
- Add cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture.
- Stir in cooked noodles and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables like peas or corn.
- You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
- This dish freezes well for later meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: missouri casserole, comfort food, easy casserole
