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Hired Hand Macaroni Casserole


Although I'm sure most of you make some kind of hamburger macaroni casserole,
this recipe originates with my MIL and comes with a story.

When Dad and Mom Klassen needed more outdoor help than their 2 boys could provide,
they often hired a man from Greendale. He had little education but knew how to work hard and kept my husband and his brother to task. He had a large heart and worked willingly even when he could not expect payment so he was sometimes taken advantage of because of this.
He had an equally large appetite but almost no teeth. Mom met these challenges by making this casserole in copious quantities when he came to work. I've added a few spices to the original version but otherwise it's the same as Mom K made it.

In our family this casserole bears his name but I've renamed it for this blog.
Whatever it's called it is popular with kids of all ages.
  • 3 cups macaroni
  • 1 lb. hamburger
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped red pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
  • salt and pepper
  • 2 teaspoons basil
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 213 ml tin tomato sauce
  • 1 234 ml tin tomato soup - undiluted
  • 1/2 cup ketchup or bottled chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cups grated cheese - cheddar and/or mozzarella
  1. Cook macaroni in salted boiling water. drain.
  2. While macaroni is cooking,brown hamburger in a fry pan, draining excess fat and place in large casserole dish (or 2 smaller ones). Add salt and pepper to taste and set aside
  3. Add onions and peppers to the pan and sautè until wilted. Add to casserole.
  4. Add soup, sauce and ketchup, basil and oregano and mix well with hamburger and vegetables.
  5. Top with grated cheese (be generous)
  6. Bake at 350 degrees for 1/2 and hour or until casserole bubbles.
  7. Serve with a green salad.
Note: If you like, you can make this in 2 casseroles, eat one now and freeze the other for a night when you don't have time to cook.



13 comments:

  1. I think you just solved my quandary of what to fix for lunch today.

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  2. Oh, I'm going to make this tonight.

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  3. Sounds like a great meal to serve to our harvest crew. Always on the look out for easy, tasty casseroles that will stay warm while I drive out to where ever they happen to be. Thanks!

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  4. Bev, You just gave me an idea for a large group function. I also like the idea of making extra to freeze ... in order to get a night off cooking another time.

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  5. This looks very satisfying!

    I have to tell everyone the new MGCC cookbook is wonderful! I have been enjoying reading through all the recipes and the delightful stories about each of you special ladies. The photography is exceptional and the recipe instructions are very easy to follow.

    I encourage everyone who reads this blog to buy a copy of the cookbook! It would make an excellent Mother's Day gift!

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  6. This looks absolutely delicous. I think I will add this to my Mother's Day lunch menu!!

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  7. Looks wonderful!! Thanks for the story, too.

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  8. With this cool weather we are having....I am lovin' the comfort food. This looks so good.

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  9. This looks real good and satisfying!

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  10. ooh yummy, this looks wonderful. Thanks for dropping by and leaving your kind comments.

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  11. I call this macaroni mince bake. It is a lovely quick meal to make on a busy night

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  12. Tonight was one of those nights when the whole family was each going a different direction, and at different times. So, even though we all have a full set of strong teeth, I made the "hired hand macaroni casserole". It was a hit! Everyone loved it. I will make sure I keep track of this recipe for future fast-paced evenings.

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  13. Have Mercy! This would bring many many smiles.

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