This hearty one dish meal is a classic mid-century casserole-style dinner designed for simplicity and flavor. Combining ground beef, vegetables, and pasta in a tomato-based sauce, it reflects the practical cooking style of busy households that needed filling meals made from pantry staples. The addition of olives, mushrooms, and spices like oregano and chili powder gives it a slightly savory, robust depth that sets it apart from simpler casseroles. Baked until hot and topped with melted cheese, this dish delivers comfort and convenience in one pan, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings where ease and satisfaction matter most.
Ingredients
- 1 onion (medium, chopped)
- 1 bell pepper (chopped)
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 28 oz tomato sauce (1 large can )
- 10 ½ oz tomato soup (1 can)
- 1 can English peas (small can, drained)
- 12 oz whole kernel corn ( 1 can, drained)
- 1 can ripe pitted olives (sliced)
- 1 can mushrooms (lage can, drained)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 pinch oregano
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- salt (to taste)
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 cup small shell macaroni
- 1 to 2 cups grated cheese (for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
- Chop onion and bell pepper
- Sauté in 2 tbsp bacon drippings until softened
Step 2: Cook Beef
- Add ground beef
- Cook while stirring for 10–15 minutes until browned
Step 3: Add Base Ingredients
- Add tomato sauce and tomato soup
- Stir well to combine
Step 4: Add Vegetables & Seasoning
- Stir in peas, corn, mushrooms, and olives
- Add bay leaf, oregano, chili powder, and salt
Step 5: Simmer
- Let mixture simmer briefly to blend flavors
Step 6: Cook Pasta
- Cook macaroni according to package directions
- Drain well
Step 7: Combine
- Mix cooked pasta with the meat and vegetable mixture
Step 8: Assemble
- Pour into 2 large casserole dishes or one large baking dish
Step 9: Bake
- Bake at 350°F for 30 to 45 minutes
Step 10: Add Cheese
- Top with grated cheese during the last few minutes until melted
Tips
- Substitute ground turkey for a lighter option
- Use fresh vegetables instead of canned for better texture
- Add garlic for extra depth of flavor
- Swap pasta shapes based on what you have on hand
- Make it spicy with extra chili powder or hot sauce
- Use cheddar, mozzarella, or a cheese blend
- Add a breadcrumb topping for crunch
- Freeze leftovers for easy future meals
Nutrition
Calories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 28gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 620mgFiber: 5gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 850IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 180mgIron: 3.5mg
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