Downhome Country Casserole

Country cooking includes a variety of casseroles using hamburger and leftovers.

Many casserole recipes include leftovers from recent meals so as not to waste any food, especially in the homes of folks who live in the country.

This downhome hamburger casserole is so easy to throw together. It's the perfect meal for an evening when you have a few leftovers tucked away in the fridge. Just open cans, brown the hamburger, and throw it in the oven.

Downhome Hamburger Casserole
Serves 4 as a main meal

1 ½ lbs hamburger
1 large onion, chopped
½ bell pepper, chopped
1 Tablespoon dried parsley
2 cups croutons or bread crumbs,

1 cup grated Cheddar cheese
2 eight-oz cans tomato sauce
2 cups green peas
2 cups sliced carrots (14 oz can is good)
2 cups leftover mashed potatoes

You can add any other veggies that are available.

Saute onion and peppers.
Brown hamburger and combine with onion and peppers.
Mix in one can of tomato sauce.

Place this mix in a greased casserole.
Layer with half the parsley, half the cheese, and half the bread crumbs.
Add peas and carrots on top.
Spread the remaining can of tomato sauce on top.
Arrange the mashed potatoes around edge of casserole.
Top with remaining cheese.

Bake in preheated 350-degree oven for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.