Mrs. Geraldine’s Ground Beef Casserole
Description:
This heartwarming recipe hails from a cherished local church fundraiser cookbook, bearing the delightful touch of Mrs. Geraldine, a cherished friend of the family. With her comforting demeanor akin to Mrs. Claus herself, every thought of her brings a smile. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its savory flavors but also in its practicality, as it freezes beautifully, ready to thaw and cook whenever needed.
Recipe Category: One Dish Meal 🍲
Keywords: Spaghetti 🍝, Onions 🧅, Peppers 🫑, Vegetable 🥦, Meat 🥩, Potluck 🥳, Weeknight 🌙, Oven 🍳, Beginner Cook 👩🍳, Freezer ❄️, Stove Top 🔥, < 4 Hours ⏲️, Easy 🟢
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 444.6
- Fat Content: 21.4g
- Saturated Fat Content: 9.3g
- Cholesterol Content: 71.3mg
- Sodium Content: 791.5mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 37.6g
- Fiber Content: 3g
- Sugar Content: 11.4g
- Protein Content: 25.8g
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (approx. 14.5 oz) tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1 can (approx. 4 oz) mushrooms
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp sweet pickle juice
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 lb sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 package (approx. 8 oz) angel hair pasta
- 1 can (approx. 8 oz) tomato sauce
Instructions:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Brown meat in large skillet or Dutch oven. |
| 2 | Add onions, pepper, and celery, then simmer for 15 minutes. |
| 3 | Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, mushrooms, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. |
| 4 | Season with salt and pepper to taste. |
| 5 | Cook in skillet for 1 hour, allowing flavors to meld. |
| 6 | Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. |
| 7 | Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). |
| 8 | Spread cooked pasta evenly in the bottom of a large casserole dish. |
| 9 | Spoon mushroom soup over the pasta layer. |
| 10 | Pour the prepared meat sauce over the soup layer, ensuring even distribution. |
| 11 | Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese generously over the top. |
| 12 | Bake in the preheated oven for 30-45 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. |
| 13 | Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of Mrs. Geraldine’s Ground Beef Casserole! 🍽️ |
Additional Notes:
- Can sizes need not be exact; a close approximation suffices for this recipe’s harmony.
- For best results when freezing, assemble the casserole without baking, then thaw and bake when ready to enjoy.
