Geraldine's Hearty Beef and Pasta Casserole
This delightful casserole is a cherished recipe from Mrs. Geraldine, a beloved figure in our community who exemplifies warmth and kindness. It brings together savory ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and creamy tomato-based sauce, all layered with tender angel hair pasta. Whether it's for a family dinner or a potluck gathering, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it freezes beautifully—simply assemble, freeze, and then bake straight from the freezer for a comforting meal any time you need it.
N/A
Servings
312
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef
1 lb (browned)
Canned tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can (diced)
Chopped onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
Chopped bell pepper
1/4 cup (chopped)
Chopped celery
1/4 cup (chopped)
Canned mushrooms
1 (8-ounce) can (sliced)
Brown sugar or sweet pickle juice
2 tablespoons (as preferred)
Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons (as is)
Cream of mushroom soup
1 (10 3/4-ounce) can (as is)
Sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 lb (shredded)
Angel hair pasta
1 (6-ounce) package (cooked)
Tomato sauce
1 (8-ounce) can (as is)
Salt and pepper
to taste (as preferred)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
2
Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Stir in the canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, mushrooms, brown sugar or sweet pickle juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4
Allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes to meld the flavors together.
5
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
6
In a large casserole dish, spread the cooked angel hair pasta evenly at the bottom.
7
Pour the creamy mushroom soup over the pasta, spreading it out evenly.
8
Layer the meat and vegetable mixture over the soup, then sprinkle the sharp cheddar cheese on top.
9
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
25g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Geraldine's Hearty Beef and Pasta Casserole?
It is a savory casserole featuring ground beef, vegetables, and angel hair pasta in a creamy tomato-based sauce, topped with sharp cheddar cheese.
Who created this recipe?
The recipe comes from Mrs. Geraldine, a beloved community figure known for her warmth and kindness.
Can this casserole be frozen?
Yes, it freezes beautifully. You can assemble it, freeze it, and bake it straight from the freezer for a convenient meal.
What type of pasta is used in this dish?
The recipe calls for a 6-ounce package of cooked angel hair pasta.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 312 calories.
What is the fat content of the recipe?
The recipe contains 17.5g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in Geraldine's Beef and Pasta Casserole?
There are 15g of protein per serving.
What kind of meat is required?
The recipe requires 1 pound of ground beef.
What vegetables are included in the sauce?
The sauce includes chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and canned mushrooms.
How long should the meat and vegetable mixture simmer?
The mixture should simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
1/4 pound of shredded sharp cheddar cheese is used for the topping.
What is the secret sweet ingredient in the sauce?
The recipe allows for either 2 tablespoons of brown sugar or sweet pickle juice as a sweetener.
How long does the casserole bake in total?
It bakes for 25-30 minutes covered, followed by an additional 5-15 minutes uncovered until the cheese is bubbly.
Should the ground beef be drained?
Yes, you should drain the excess fat after browning the ground beef.
What provides the creamy texture in this casserole?
A 10 3/4-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup is spread over the pasta to provide creaminess.
How many ingredients are in the recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients used in this recipe.
Is the pasta mixed into the sauce or layered?
The pasta is layered at the bottom of the casserole dish, followed by the soup and then the meat mixture.
What size can of tomatoes is needed?
The recipe uses one 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes.
What size can of tomato sauce is required?
An 8-ounce can of tomato sauce is used.
How long should the vegetables be sautéed?
The onion, bell pepper, and celery should be sautéed for 5-7 minutes until softened.
Does the recipe include Worcestershire sauce?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce are added to the meat mixture.
How much chopped celery is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chopped celery.
What amount of carbohydrates is in the dish?
The dish contains 25g of carbohydrates per serving.
What are the primary tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include casserole, beef, pasta, family meal, one dish, comfort food, and freezer meal.
Is salt and pepper included in the recipe?
Yes, salt and pepper are added to taste.
How should the casserole be prepared for serving?
Let the casserole cool slightly after removing it from the oven before serving.
What size is the can of mushrooms?
The recipe uses one 8-ounce can of sliced mushrooms.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, it is specifically noted as being perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings.
What should be done if baking from the freezer?
You can bake the assembled casserole directly from the freezer until hot and bubbly.