I was so intrigued by this recipe because I had never heard this dish called Friendship Casserole – but the name fits perfectly! I have received meals and prepared meals for others during times when the thought of cooking a meal isn’t an option. New baby, family crisis, difficult life circumstances, whatever the reason, a home cooked meal delivered to you is a gift that either comes from a close friend or comes from a new friend. As silly as it may sound, a casserole can make someone’s life easier and represent a friendship!
This recipe is wonderful for multiple reasons. It is easy to prepare, it is delicious and comforting, leftovers keep well, and you can make two at a time so one is in the freezer for when you need a meal quickly. It beautifully ticks all the boxes for a recipe that is a keeper.
My family loves this meal and whomever receives one from you will be appreciative, trust me!
Enjoy!
Ingredients
2 lbs. ground beef or ground turkey
1/2 cup green pepper – chopped
1/2 cup onion – chopped
3/4 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 48 oz. jar good quality spaghetti sauce or use homemade
1 16 oz. pkg. medium egg noodles (No yolk dumplings are my favorite!)
1/2 cup butter
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 16 oz. pkg. shredded mozzarella or shredded Italian cheese blend
2 disposable aluminum pans (9×13)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350° F.
In a large skillet (I use cast iron), brown the ground beef or turkey, breaking up the meat as it cooks. When the meat is fully cooked and is nicely browned, remove from heat and drain off any fat.
Return skillet to the stove and over medium heat, add the green pepper, onion, and mushrooms.
Sauté the vegetables with the meat for an additional 5 minutes.
Add spaghetti sauce and simmer for 20 minutes.
While the sauce is simmering, prepare the pasta.
Cook the pasta according to the package directions for al dente.
Drain and toss with butter, onion powder, garlic powder and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
Spray both 9×13 baking pans with cooking oil spray.
In each baking pan add half of the meat sauce as the first layer, then divide the pasta equally between the two baking pans and layer evenly.
Split the remaining meat sauce between the two pans and pour over the pasta.
Top each of the casseroles with shredded mozzarella or Italian cheese blend.
Cover with foil sprayed with cooking oil spray and bake for 35 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake an additional 5 minutes.
Notes
Meat: Ground beef and ground turkey are both fantastic options, but you can always use ground chicken. Another variation is to use half ground beef and half ground pork. We love the flavor of this combination!
Vegetarian: All you need to do is substitute vegetarian meatless crumbles for the ground meat. It absorbs the wonder flavors while simmering and turns out very well.
Vegetables: Feel free to add in other vegetables that you would like. Just sauté at the same time as the other vegetables.
Freezing: Assemble both casseroles but bake only one. Wrap the unbaked second one with two layers of plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil. Label, date, and place the casserole in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to use, remove from freezer, thaw completely (preferably in the refrigerator) and bake.
Gifting: If you will be gifting the second on, it is best to present it unbaked. This allows the recipient to bake it when they are ready or freeze it for another day. I like to wrap the casserole in double plastic wrap and a add layer of foil. Then, add a bow or ribbon around the whole baking dish, slide a wooden spoon under the bow, and attach the recipe card with baking instructions.