If you’ve been craving a heartwarming dish that brings comfort and a touch of Midwestern charm to your dinner table, look no further than this Missouri Casserole Recipe. Loaded with tender ground beef, creamy mushroom sauce, and cheesy noodles, it’s a perfect blend of savory flavors and cozy textures that everyone will adore. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family night or a potluck with friends, this casserole promises to satisfy with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Missouri Casserole Recipe is delightfully simple. Each component plays a key role in layering flavors, creating that signature creamy, cheesy, and slightly crispy casserole everyone loves. These staples are easy to find and come together seamlessly in this classic dish.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides a rich, hearty base packed with savory flavor.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the filling.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant punch that enhances every bite.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Brings out all the delicious flavors in the casserole.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Offers a hint of smoky warmth and lovely color.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup: Creates that classic creamy texture essential to the dish.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and extra creaminess for a luscious sauce.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to bind the ingredients with cheesy goodness.
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles: The perfect tender bite that soaks up all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup milk: Ensures the casserole stays moist and silky.
- 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper (optional): Provides a fresh, crisp contrast if you want a bit of extra color and crunch.
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs: Creates a delightfully crispy topping that everyone loves.
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted): Binds the topping and adds richness for a golden crust.
How to Make Missouri Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Meat
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef along with the chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is nicely browned and the onions are tender, which usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. This step builds a flavorful foundation, so don’t rush it. Once cooked, make sure to drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
Step 2: Season and Combine the Creamy Mixture
Next, stir in salt, black pepper, and paprika for that warm, comforting spice. Then add the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, and if you’re using them, the chopped green bell peppers. Mix in half of the shredded cheddar cheese to amp up the cheesiness in every bite. This creamy mixture is the heart of the Missouri Casserole Recipe, bringing moisture and delicious richness to the dish.
Step 3: Incorporate the Egg Noodles
Gently fold in the cooked egg noodles, ensuring every noodle is coated with the luscious, cheesy sauce. This step makes sure the noodles absorb all the flavors so each spoonful is perfectly balanced. This union of noodles and creamy beef mix is pure comfort food magic.
Step 4: Assemble and Add Toppings
Pour your mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top for that irresistible melted cheese layer. Then mix the crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter in a small bowl and sprinkle this crunchy topping over the cheese. This combination delivers a satisfying contrast of creamy, gooey, and crispy textures.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your casserole uncovered in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C), and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbly around the edges and the topping is gloriously golden brown. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving so all the flavors have time to settle and meld perfectly.
How to Serve Missouri Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top can brighten up the richness of the casserole with a pop of fresh green color and mild herbal aroma. You might also drizzle a little extra sour cream or even a dash of hot sauce for those who like a kick. These small additions transform every serving into a warm, inviting meal.
Side Dishes
This Missouri Casserole Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp, fresh sides. Think simple green salads with vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli. These vegetables contrast the creamy richness perfectly and bring balance to the plate. For a true Midwestern meal, add some crusty bread to soak up every bit of the luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins and top each with a tiny sprig of fresh herbs for charm. Or layer the ingredients in a glass casserole to showcase the vibrant colors and textures before baking. This way, your guests can enjoy the visual appeal as well as the comforting flavors of the Missouri Casserole Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole remains delicious for up to 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat thoroughly, and you’ll have a quick, nourishing meal waiting for you.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully, making it a smart option for busy weeks. To freeze, assemble the full casserole but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. When it’s time to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. This saves time without compromising the comforting, homey flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, usually 20 to 25 minutes. You can cover the casserole loosely with foil to keep it moist. Alternatively, for single servings, the microwave works well to warm up portions quickly, although you may lose some of the crispy topping’s texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground beef with another protein for this Missouri Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent leaner alternatives. They work well with the creamy base and retain the comforting nature of the dish. Just make sure to adjust cooking times slightly if needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a meat substitute like textured vegetable protein. Also, use a vegetarian cream of mushroom soup or make your own. These tweaks keep the texture and flavor robust while making the dish meat-free.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer homemade or want a fresher alternative, mix sautéed mushrooms with a simple white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk. This homemade version allows you to control ingredients and avoid preservatives while still achieving that creamy texture important to the Missouri Casserole Recipe.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Definitely! The casserole can be fully assembled a day before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This makes meal planning easy and lets the flavors meld even more for a tastier dish.
What type of crackers work best for the crunchy topping?
Buttery crackers like Ritz are classic choices because they melt nicely and add a rich crunch. If you want a healthier or gluten-free option, try crushed gluten-free crackers or seasoned breadcrumbs. Experiment to find what you enjoy most on top of your Missouri Casserole Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Missouri Casserole Recipe is a true celebration of comforting, simple ingredients coming together to create something special. Its creamy, cheesy layers and crispy topping make it an all-time favorite that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones. I can’t wait for you to try it out and enjoy the warm, welcoming flavors that make this casserole a staple in so many homes.
Print
Missouri Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Midwestern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Missouri Casserole is a comforting, hearty Midwestern dish combining seasoned ground beef, tender egg noodles, and a creamy mushroom sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection with a crunchy cracker topping. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for family dinners and potlucks, offering a rich and satisfying meal with a blend of savory flavors and creamy textures.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper (optional)
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
Dairy and Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Others
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic until the beef is thoroughly browned and the onions become tender. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Season and Combine: Add salt, black pepper, and paprika to the beef mixture and stir well. Then, mix in the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, and the optional chopped green bell pepper. Stir to blend all the flavors together.
- Add Noodles and Cheese: Fold in the cooked egg noodles and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until all components are evenly combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to create a crispy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let it set and cool slightly.
Notes
- This classic Midwestern casserole is ideal for potlucks and family dinners.
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Add vegetables like peas or corn for added nutrition and color.
- For a gluten-free adaptation, opt for gluten-free noodles and breadcrumbs or crackers.
