Mediterranean Winter Bliss Casserole
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
This Mediterranean Winter Bliss Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that brings together the warmth of seasoned beef, tender vegetables, and melty cheddar cheese. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with cozy aromas and satisfies the whole family on a chilly evening. Balanced with protein, veggies, and noodles, this casserole is an easy one-pan dinner that feels both homestyle and Mediterranean-inspired — simple, colorful, and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup carrots, sliced
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup corn kernels
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup beef broth
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried thyme
2 cups cooked egg noodles
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish.
Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add Aromatics:
Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and the onion softens slightly.
- Add Vegetables and Seasoning:
Add carrots, green beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 8–10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors come together.
Add Noodles:
Stir in the cooked egg noodles and combine until evenly coated with the sauce and vegetables.
Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer everything to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Bake:
Place in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.
Serve:
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like.
Tips
Use lean ground beef:
Choose 90% lean or higher so the casserole isn’t greasy. If you use regular ground beef, drain off any excess fat after browning.
Pre-cook the noodles al dente:
Slightly undercook the noodles (1–2 minutes less than package directions). They’ll absorb some sauce in the oven and stay firm rather than mushy.
Balance the flavors:
Taste the mixture before baking. Depending on the saltiness of your broth and cheese, you might want to adjust the seasoning slightly.
Cut vegetables evenly:
Slice the carrots and green beans to similar sizes so they cook evenly and don’t over- or under-soften in the oven.
Add extra sauce if needed:
If you prefer a saucier casserole, stir in an extra ¼ cup of beef broth or a few tablespoons of tomato sauce before baking.
Cheese tips:
Shred your own cheddar if possible — pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that keep it from melting as smoothly.
Rest before serving:
Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes after baking. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes it easier to serve neat portions.
Variations
Mediterranean Touch:
Replace cheddar with crumbled feta or mozzarella and add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano or basil for a more Mediterranean flair.
Protein Swap:
Use ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb instead of beef for a lighter or more traditional Mediterranean taste.
Vegetarian Option:
Skip the meat and add more beans, such as chickpeas or white beans. Substitute vegetable broth for beef broth.
Add More Veggies:
Try zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition and color.
Herb Variations:
Swap thyme for rosemary, oregano, or Italian seasoning for a different aromatic profile.
Cheese Lovers’ Upgrade:
Mix in a handful of Parmesan or top with a layer of mozzarella before baking for a richer, gooier finish.
Make-Ahead Option:
Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, bake for 20–25 minutes or until hot throughout.
Low-Carb Version:
Replace the egg noodles with cooked cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option that still feels hearty.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble it up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes, then bake as directed.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Once cooked and cooled, portion it into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot.
Q: Can I use canned or frozen vegetables?
Yes. Frozen vegetables work perfectly — just thaw and drain them first to prevent excess moisture. If using canned corn or green beans, drain well before adding.
Q: What if I don’t have egg noodles?
You can substitute with any short pasta like penne, rotini, or macaroni. Just cook them slightly al dente so they hold up in the casserole.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use a dairy-free cheese alternative and check your broth to make sure it’s dairy-free. The texture will be a bit different, but it still tastes great.
Q: How can I make it spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a diced jalapeño, or a teaspoon of smoked paprika when cooking the beef for a subtle kick.
Nutrition
(Per serving, based on 6 servings)
Calories: ~375
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: ~780mg
(Values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients and substitutions.)
Conclusion
The Mediterranean Winter Bliss Casserole is the perfect blend of comfort and balance — rich enough to warm you up on a cold evening, yet full of vegetables and herbs that keep it fresh and wholesome. It’s easy to make, stores well, and can be adapted to suit almost any dietary need. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole brings all the cozy, satisfying flavors of a home-cooked winter meal with a light Mediterranean twist.