If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug from the Midwest, you’ll love this Missouri Casserole Recipe. It brings together perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, rich tomato sauce, and gooey layers of melted cheese all mingled with pasta for a dish that’s pure satisfaction in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a family or need a dish that impresses with minimal fuss, this casserole has all the right ingredients to become your new go-to comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to making this Missouri Casserole Recipe truly shine. Each item plays a vital role, from the savory ground beef to the bright bell peppers, and the blend of cheeses that create that irresistible melty top.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Provides rich, savory flavor and hearty texture to the base of the casserole.
- Medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef and veggies.
- Chopped bell peppers (1 cup): Red or yellow are perfect for a pop of color and a subtle sweetness.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth.
- Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 28 ounces): The saucy heart of this casserole, bringing moisture and tomato tang.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Concentrates the tomato flavor for a richer sauce.
- Egg noodles or rotini (12 ounces): Cooked al dente to soak up delicious flavors without getting mushy.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups): Offers sharp, creamy notes and great meltability.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 ½ cups): Gives the casserole a stretchy, gooey cheese pull that everyone loves.
- Salt (1 teaspoon) and black pepper (½ teaspoon): Basic seasoning to enhance all the vibrant flavors.
- Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): A fresh, herbal touch for garnish and color.
How to Make Missouri Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and browning the ground beef. This step builds the foundation of flavor that the entire Missouri Casserole Recipe rests upon. Make sure to break the meat apart as it cooks, letting it get nice and caramelized for that deep, savory taste.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Next, add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic straight to the skillet. Sauté everything together for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their sweet, fragrant goodness. This combo layers in complexity and balances the richness of the beef perfectly.
Step 3: Simmer the Tomato Sauce
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, then season with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat and let this sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes. This pause melds all those flavors together into a luscious, thickened sauce that will coat your pasta beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While your sauce simmers away, get the pasta cooking in salted boiling water until just al dente. Don’t overcook it because the pasta will continue absorbing sauce in the oven, keeping it perfectly tender without becoming mushy.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it lightly. Begin layering by spreading a generous portion of the meat sauce at the bottom, followed by a layer of cooked pasta, then a layer of mixed shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers, ending on a big cheesy top layer that will transform into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes to heat everything through and melt that cheese. Then remove the foil and return to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is beautifully golden and bubbling. Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving, allowing it to set nicely and making it easier to slice.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
For a final touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top. Not only does this add a fresh burst of color, but it gives your Missouri Casserole Recipe an inviting, homey feel that will make your dinner table smile.
How to Serve Missouri Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
While the chopped parsley is a classic, you can also add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a few cracked black pepper flakes just before serving. These simple garnishes elevate presentation and brighten flavors.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a meal in itself, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables adds freshness and balance. A side of garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls will round out the meal perfectly for those craving extra comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Missouri Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for personalized portions. You can also top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of fresh basil pesto to change up the flavor profile and add a gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, place leftover casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This Missouri Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole but skip the final baking step, then wrap it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or cover the entire dish with foil and heat it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes until bubbling and hot all the way through.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a lighter alternative, just be sure to brown it thoroughly for maximum flavor in your Missouri Casserole Recipe.
What type of pasta works best?
Egg noodles and rotini are ideal for holding onto the sauce, but feel free to experiment with other medium-sized pasta like penne or fusilli.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the pasta with gluten-free noodles, ensuring they are cooked al dente to maintain the right texture for the casserole.
How can I add more veggies?
Feel free to toss in chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach during the sauté step to add nutrition and extra layers of flavor.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
You can swap the ground beef for hearty lentils or plant-based crumbles and still enjoy all the cheesy, saucy goodness that makes this Missouri Casserole Recipe so special.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about cozying up with a warm dish that reminds you of home and good company, and this Missouri Casserole Recipe does just that. Its balanced flavors, gooey cheese, and comforting layers make it an instant classic perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Print
Missouri Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Missouri Casserole is a comforting layered dish featuring seasoned ground beef, sautéed vegetables, savory tomato sauce, tender pasta, and a melty blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers (red or yellow)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 12 ounces egg noodles or rotini, cooked al dente
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Simmer sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Season with salt and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
- Cook pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the egg noodles or rotini in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare oven and dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer the casserole: Spread a layer of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom of the baking dish. Add a layer of cooked pasta over the sauce, followed by a layer of mixed cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers, finishing with a top layer of cheese.
- Bake covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Rest: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes out of the oven to set up, making it easier to serve.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top, if desired, for a fresh flavor and attractive presentation.
Notes
- Using freshly chopped parsley adds a bright, fresh note but can be omitted if unavailable.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or sautéed mushrooms and lentils.
- If preferred, swap egg noodles with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce provides a subtle kick of heat.
