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
Scale
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.
