Depression Casserole
Rediscover comfort with a timeless classic: Depression Casserole, a hearty, budget-friendly dish inspired by the ingenuity of the Great Depression era. This simple yet satisfying recipe combines tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef or turkey, nutritious frozen mixed vegetables, and tangy canned tomatoes, all brought together with a flavorful blend of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. Topped with a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese, this casserole bakes to perfection in just 20-25 minutes. With minimal prep and pantry-staple ingredients, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner for feeding a family of six. Serve this comforting casserole straight from the oven for a warm, nostalgic meal that’s easy, affordable, and packed with flavor. Keywords: Depression Casserole, budget-friendly dinner, comfort food casserole, easy pasta bake, ground beef recipes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon pepper
- as needed for greasing butter or cooking spray
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, canned diced tomatoes (with their liquid), ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
In the greased casserole dish, layer the cooked macaroni evenly across the bottom. Pour the beef and vegetable mixture on top, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty and simple Depression Casserole!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3117 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 149.3 g | 191% | |
| Saturated Fat | 64.5 g | 322% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 469 mg | 156% | |
| Sodium | 5728 mg | 249% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 305.6 g | 111% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 37.8 g | 135% | |
| Total Sugars | 95.3 g | ||
| Protein | 141.1 g | 282% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1292 mg | 99% | |
| Iron | 24.6 mg | 137% | |
| Potassium | 3710 mg | 79% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
