Introduction
Are you looking for a warm, tasty, and comforting meal that’s super simple to make? If yes, then the Missouri Casserole is just what you need! This dish is a classic in many Midwest homes, especially in Missouri. It’s hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor. Plus, it’s perfect for busy families, cozy dinners, or even when you want to meal prep for the week.
The best part? You don’t need any fancy cooking skills. Even if you’ve never cooked before, you can easily make this casserole. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, your kitchen will smell amazing, and your belly will be full and happy!
Ingredients – Missouri Casserole
Here are the basic ingredients you will need to make a delicious Missouri Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey, if you prefer)
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 ½ cups water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil (for cooking)
Step by Step Process – Missouri Casserole
Let’s go step by step so you don’t miss anything. Ready? Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef and Onions
- In a large pan, heat the butter or oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft.
- Now add the ground beef.
- Stir and cook until it’s brown and no pink is left. This should take about 5–7 minutes.
- Add a little salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Mix Everything Together
- Once the beef is cooked, turn off the heat.
- Add the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, drained corn, uncooked elbow macaroni, and water.
- Stir everything together until well mixed.
Step 3: Pour into a Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it (you can use butter or spray).
- Pour the mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the top.
- If you love cheese, feel free to add a bit more!
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Place the dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked and the top is golden and bubbly.
- If the cheese starts to brown too fast, you can cover the top with foil halfway through baking.
Step 6: Let It Rest
- Once baked, take the dish out of the oven.
- Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set nicely.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g |
| Cholesterol | 70 mg |
| Sodium | 750 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Calcium | 180 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture, pour it into the baking dish, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat!
Q2: Can I freeze Missouri Casserole?
Absolutely. After baking, let it cool completely. Then wrap it tightly and freeze it. It can stay good in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight and bake at 350°F until hot.
Q3: Can I use other types of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage can be used instead of beef. Just make sure it’s cooked before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Q4: What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?
You can replace it with another can of cream of chicken soup, or use cream of celery. You can also make your own with a mix of milk, flour, and butter.
Q5: Can I make it vegetarian?
Sure! Skip the meat and use more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or beans. Also, make sure to use cream soups that don’t contain meat.
Final Thoughts
The Missouri Casserole is one of those meals that feels like a big warm hug. It’s easy to make, tastes delicious, and fills you up after a long day. Whether you’re making it for your family or just for yourself, it’s a dish that brings comfort and smiles.
And remember — casseroles are super flexible! You can change up the ingredients based on what you have at home. Add more veggies, switch the meat, try different cheeses — it’s totally up to you.
So go ahead, give this easy Missouri Casserole recipe a try. You’ll be surprised how something so simple can be so satisfying. Happy cooking!
