Missouri Casserole Recipe

If you have ever dreamed of a comforting, rich, and utterly satisfying meal that brings the whole family together, the Missouri Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. This hearty dish combines savory ground beef, tender pasta, vibrant bell peppers, and a luscious blend of melted cheeses into a baked masterpiece that warms you from the inside out. Easy to prepare yet packed with layers of flavor, this casserole is the kind of meal you’ll find yourself making again and again, whether for a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for the Missouri Casserole Recipe is as straightforward as it is rewarding. Each component plays a key role, bringing balance and depth to the dish. From the juicy ground beef to the melty cheeses, these essentials blend to create that irresistible home-cooked feel.

• 1 pound ground beef: Provides a savory, meaty foundation with rich flavor and satisfying texture.
• 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the filling.
• 1 cup chopped bell peppers (red or yellow): Introduces colorful brightness and a hint of fresh crunch.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with a warm, fragrant kick.
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes: Forms the luscious, tangy tomato base that ties everything together.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor for richness and body.
• 12 ounces egg noodles or rotini, cooked al dente: Adds tender bites of pasta that soak up the sauce beautifully.
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharp, creamy notes and a wonderful melty texture.
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Offers gooey stretch and mild, milky goodness.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right touch of gentle spice.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Brightens the dish visually and adds fresh herbal contrast.

How to Make Missouri Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding the ground beef. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up as it sizzles. This step builds the meaty base that will define the casserole’s hearty character. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from getting greasy.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Next, toss in the chopped onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic directly into the skillet. Let them cook together for about 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their wonderful aromas. This adds sweetness and a delicate crunch that balances the richness of the beef.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

To the skillet, stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing everything together thoroughly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes. This slow simmer not only thickens the sauce but deepens its flavors for that perfect, rich tomato base.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce is simmering, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles or rotini until al dente, meaning tender but still firm to the bite. Drain the pasta well and set it aside – this step ensures the noodles don’t become mushy once baked.

Step 5: Prepare to Bake

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and to help with easy serving. This step sets the stage for building the layers of deliciousness.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Begin by spreading a generous layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Follow with a layer of cooked pasta, then sprinkle a layer of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Repeat these layers, finishing with a thick, cheesy top. Layering this way guarantees every bite is a perfect harmony of all the textures and flavors.

Step 7: Bake Covered

Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. This keeps the moisture in while allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Baking covered maintains tenderness and prevents the cheese from browning too quickly.

Step 8: Bake Uncovered for a Golden Finish

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese on top becomes golden brown and bubbly. This final baking step brings that irresistible crust that makes casseroles so comforting and inviting.

Step 9: Let It Rest

Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This wait lets the layers set slightly, making it easier to cut perfect portions while letting all the juices redistribute for maximum flavor.

Step 10: Add Garnish

Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for an added burst of color and fresh flavor. This simple touch elevates the presentation and brightens each comforting bite.

How to Serve Missouri Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Beyond parsley, consider a light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an unexpected zing that contrasts beautifully with the cheesy richness. Even a dollop of sour cream or a handful of sliced green onions adds freshness and textural contrast to each serving.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines best alongside crisp, fresh salads such as a simple mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette or a crunchy coleslaw. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans bring a healthy balance and vibrant color to your plate, rounding out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in ramekins or muffin tins for personal casseroles that are perfect for parties or meal prep. Alternately, turn the leftovers into hearty sandwich fillings or stuff them into baked bell peppers to reinvent the dish while keeping that comforting essence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Missouri Casserole Recipe stores well in an airtight container placed in the refrigerator. It keeps its delicious flavors and texture for up to 3 to 4 days, making it a fantastic option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating thoroughly.

Reheating

Reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) until warmed through, about 20 minutes, which helps retain its crispy top and layered texture. Alternatively, microwave portions for about 2 to 3 minutes, covering loosely to keep moisture in.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat in the Missouri Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! While ground beef brings traditional richness, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes work wonderfully. Just adjust cooking times as needed and season accordingly.

Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?

Yes! Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or crumbled tofu to keep the meaty texture without the meat. Adding extra vegetables can also boost flavor and nutrition while keeping the casserole hearty.

What kind of cheese works best?

The combination of cheddar and mozzarella is classic for gooey texture and balanced flavor. However, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, provolone, or even a sharp Parmesan for a different twist that still complements the dish brilliantly.

Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time before baking?

Definitely! Assemble the layers in the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a convenient option for busy days or dinner parties.

How spicy is the Missouri Casserole Recipe?

The recipe as written is mild and family-friendly, but you can easily add heat by incorporating chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes into the sauce to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Missouri Casserole Recipe that keeps you coming back for more—the irresistible combination of a rich tomato meat sauce, tender pasta, and bubbly cheese baked to perfection. It’s a dish that feels like a warm embrace on a plate, perfect for sharing with people you love. Give it a try and watch how it becomes a treasured staple in your meal rotation!

Missouri Casserole Recipe

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4.3 from 47 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Missouri Casserole is a hearty, cheesy baked pasta dish featuring layers of savory ground beef cooked with onions, bell peppers, and garlic in a rich tomato sauce, combined with tender egg noodles and topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this casserole bakes to golden, bubbly perfection and is garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of brightness.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Vegetables

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup chopped bell peppers (red or yellow)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Tomato Sauce

• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Pasta and Cheese

• 12 ounces egg noodles or rotini, cooked al dente
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef thoroughly, breaking it up as it cooks to ensure even browning.
2. Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables have softened and become fragrant.
3. Make the tomato 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 deepen the flavors.
4. Cook pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the egg noodles or rotini in salted boiling water until they are al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
5. Prepare to bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
6. Assemble casserole layers: Start by spreading a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Follow with a layer of cooked pasta, then sprinkle a layer of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of cheese.
7. Bake covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes, allowing the casserole to heat through and the flavors to meld.
8. Brown the cheese: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese topping turns golden and bubbly.
9. Rest the casserole: Take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes to set and make serving easier.
10. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top if desired, then serve warm.

Notes

• For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables.
• Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.
• Pasta can be substituted with whole wheat or gluten-free varieties.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Ensure pasta is cooked al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy after baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American