Missouri Casserole Recipe
If you’re chasing that irresistible blend of hearty, comforting, and cheesy goodness, the Missouri Casserole fits the bill with flying colors. This beloved Midwestern classic is the kind of dish you’ll crave on cool evenings, busy weeknights, or anytime you need a generous helping of nostalgia. Thanks to its savory layers of seasoned beef, noodles, corn, and two types of creamy soup, all crowned with melted cheddar and a crackly topping, the Missouri Casserole is a slam dunk for families and potlucks alike. Every bite is a delightful homage to simple ingredients standing tall together, creating something far greater than the sum of their parts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Missouri Casserole is refreshingly straightforward, but each item pulls its weight to create satisfying flavor, texture, and that signature cheesy finish. Here’s your lineup of essentials — you probably have most of them already.
- Ground Beef: A pound of flavorful ground beef forms the savory foundation of this casserole; swap in turkey or sausage for variety.
- Onion: One medium chopped onion mellows and sweetens as it cooks, adding depth to every forkful.
- Garlic: Two cloves, minced, provide a subtle aromatic punch and round out the dish.
- Condensed Tomato Soup: One can delivers tangy brightness and sets the stage for that classic Midwestern comfort.
- Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: A can brings lush creaminess and unites all the flavors beautifully.
- Diced Tomatoes: Drained and ready, these juicy tomatoes ensure the casserole never feels dry or bland.
- Cooked Elbow Macaroni: One and a half cups of tender noodles soak up every bit of saucy goodness.
- Frozen Corn: Adds vibrant color and a touch of sweetness for balance in each bite.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Just a teaspoon, but it deepens the flavor and adds a savory, umami edge.
- Salt: A teaspoon is enough to bring all the ingredients together in harmony.
- Black Pepper: Half a teaspoon for a hint of warmth and earthiness.
- Dried Italian Seasoning: An aromatic blend lends a herby spark that keeps things interesting.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Two cups in total, because no Missouri Casserole is complete without golden, gooey cheese (use sharp for extra punch!).
- Crushed Buttery Crackers or Breadcrumbs: The final flourish, bringing crunch and a hit of buttery flavor to every slice.
How to Make Missouri Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Vegetables
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, set a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef and chopped onion. Sauté until the beef is browned and crumbly, and the onion turns glossy and soft, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for an extra minute — just enough to get fragrant without letting it burn. Drain any excess grease for a lighter, less greasy casserole.
Step 2: Mix in the Sauces and Seasonings
Into the skillet goes the condensed tomato soup, cream of mushroom soup, drained diced tomatoes, frozen corn, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir thoroughly to combine — you want everything beautifully melded, with a rich, savory aroma floating up that already feels inviting.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Cheese
Add your cooked elbow macaroni and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese right into the skillet. Give it a good mix, making sure the cheese starts to melt into the saucy base and every pasta nook is coated in flavor. The blend will look creamy, vibrant, and oh-so-tempting at this stage.
Step 4: Layer and Top
Transfer everything from the skillet into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Level it out with a spatula for even baking. Scatter the rest of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then finish with a generous sprinkle of crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs for that signature Missouri Casserole crunch.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your dish into the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re watching for the cheese to bubble and the topping to turn golden and crisp. When you pull it out, let it cool just long enough to keep the slices neat but still warm enough for gooey cheese pulls.
How to Serve Missouri Casserole
Garnishes
A classic Missouri Casserole truly shines with just a little extra on top. Try adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a handful of diced scallions after baking for a pop of color and freshness. For a touch of heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper is fantastic, while a drizzle of sour cream adds tangy creaminess. Don’t be afraid to jazz it up — each flourish makes it feel like an occasion.
Side Dishes
This dish is a meal in itself, but pairing it thoughtfully can make dinner feel truly special. A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette helps balance the richness, or serve some simple roasted green beans or steamed broccoli for extra veggie power. Warm dinner rolls are a classic sidekick for sopping up every last bit, and for true Midwestern flair, try serving with sweet-and-sour pickles.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family dinner, serve Missouri Casserole straight from the baking dish at the table, letting everyone help themselves. Hosting a party? Spoon the casserole mixture into individual ramekins before baking for adorable single-servings. For potlucks, bring it in a slow cooker to keep it warm and gooey. And don’t be afraid to customize with different cheeses or layered vegetables to make it uniquely yours — the base is endlessly adaptable!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Missouri Casserole holds up beautifully as leftovers. Transfer any extras to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, and the cheddar stays gooey and satisfying. For best results, let it cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating to avoid excess moisture buildup.
Freezing
This is the ultimate make-ahead meal. Simply assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, then wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge or bake straight from frozen, adding about 25 extra minutes to the baking time. Individual portions also freeze well for quick, hearty lunches.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover with foil and bake at 350°F until hot and bubbly, usually about 20–25 minutes for a whole dish, or 2–3 minutes in the microwave for a single serving. If you love a crispy topping, uncover it for the last few minutes of reheating. A few drops of water or broth added before reheating helps keep the pasta wonderfully moist.
FAQs
Can I make Missouri Casserole without meat?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or double up on veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, and peas. You’ll still get that rich, hearty texture and crave-worthy flavor.
What pasta shapes work best besides elbow macaroni?
Elbow macaroni is traditional, but rotini, penne, or small shells all hold the sauce beautifully. The most important thing is to use cooked, petite pasta shapes that soak up every drop of that creamy, cheesy sauce.
Is it possible to make Missouri Casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10 minutes or so to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.
What other cheeses can I use?
Cheddar is classic, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend for extra gooeyness and depth. Adding a bit of Parmesan to the topping is another way to boost the savory factor.
How do I keep the topping crispy when reheating?
When reheating, uncover the casserole during the last 5 minutes to help the cracker or breadcrumb topping crisp up nicely. If it needs a little more crunch, sprinkle a fresh handful of crumbs before the final minutes in the oven.
Final Thoughts
Missouri Casserole brings real comfort to the table, making every gathering feel a little warmer and every mealtime a little more memorable. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to pull together and impossible to resist, this recipe is your perfect ticket. I can’t wait for you to try it — dig in, and let the flavors of Missouri Casserole brighten up your day!
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Missouri Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Missouri Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines ground beef, creamy sauces, vegetables, and cheese, baked to perfection. This easy-to-make casserole is a delicious meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasoning:
- 1 can condensed tomato soup (10.5 ounces)
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounces)
- 1 can diced tomatoes, drained (14.5 ounces)
- 1½ cups cooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until browned. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Drain excess grease.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in soups, tomatoes, corn, seasonings, macaroni, and 1 cup cheese. Transfer to a baking dish.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle remaining cheese and crushed crackers over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with turkey or sausage.
- Try different pasta shapes or add extra veggies for variation.
- The casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American (Midwestern)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1½ cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
