Neiman Marcus Casserole: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide

Blueberry Mojito Mocktail: Prepare to be transported to a sun-drenched paradise with every sip of this vibrant and refreshing drink! Imagine the invigorating zest of lime mingling with the sweet burst of blueberries, all perfectly balanced with the coolness of mint. This isn’t just a beverage; it’s an experience.

While the classic Mojito hails from the vibrant streets of Havana, Cuba, our Blueberry Mojito Mocktail offers a delightful twist on this beloved concoction. The original Mojito, with its rum base, has a rich history intertwined with Cuban culture, often enjoyed during celebrations and social gatherings. We’ve taken the essence of that festive spirit and reimagined it into a non-alcoholic delight that everyone can enjoy.

People adore Mojitos for their incredible balance of flavors. The combination of sweet, sour, and minty creates a symphony on the palate that’s both stimulating and satisfying. Our blueberry addition elevates this experience, adding a fruity sweetness that complements the traditional lime and mint beautifully. This Blueberry Mojito Mocktail is incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick refreshment on a hot day or a sophisticated addition to your next gathering. It’s visually stunning, tastes amazing, and is guaranteed to impress your guests. Get ready to mix up a batch and experience the magic!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can green beans, drained
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 (16 ounce) package egg noodles, cooked according to package directions
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Preparing the Meat Sauce:

Okay, let’s get started! The first thing we need to do is prepare the heart of our Neiman Marcus Casserole – the savory meat sauce. This is where all the delicious flavors start to build, so pay close attention!

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Make sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. You want it to be evenly browned and no longer pink. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes.
2. Drain the Excess Grease: Once the beef is browned, carefully drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy casserole! I usually tilt the skillet and use a spoon to scoop out the grease, but you can also use a colander if you prefer.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for building flavor, so don’t rush it! The onions should be nice and fragrant.
4. Add the Tomato Sauce and Soups: Pour in the tomato sauce, cream of mushroom soup, and cream of chicken soup. Stir everything together well to combine. Make sure there are no lumps of soup hiding at the bottom of the pan.
5. Incorporate the Canned Vegetables: Add the drained corn and green beans to the mixture. Stir gently to distribute the vegetables evenly throughout the sauce.
6. Season Generously: Now it’s time to add some flavor! Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir well to incorporate the seasonings. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a pinch of salt, but be careful because the soups already contain salt.
7. Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. While the sauce is simmering, you can move on to the next step – preparing the creamy cheese mixture.

Preparing the Creamy Cheese Mixture:

This is where the magic happens! The creamy cheese mixture adds a rich and decadent layer to the casserole that will have everyone begging for seconds. Make sure your cream cheese is softened for easy mixing!

1. Combine Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Use an electric mixer or a sturdy spoon to beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. There should be no lumps of cream cheese remaining.
2. Incorporate Cooked Egg Noodles: Add the cooked egg noodles to the cream cheese mixture. Gently fold them in until they are evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the noodles mushy.

Assembling the Casserole:

Now for the fun part – putting everything together! This is where all your hard work pays off. Get ready to create a masterpiece!

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole cooks evenly and the cheese melts beautifully.
2. Grease the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish and make it easier to serve.
3. Layer the Ingredients: Spread half of the egg noodle mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. Add Half of the Meat Sauce: Spoon half of the meat sauce over the egg noodle layer, spreading it evenly.
5. Sprinkle with Cheese: Sprinkle one cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the meat sauce.
6. Repeat the Layers: Repeat the layers with the remaining egg noodle mixture, meat sauce, and another cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Preparing the Ritz Cracker Topping:

The Ritz cracker topping adds a delightful crunch and buttery flavor to the casserole. It’s the perfect finishing touch!

1. Crush the Ritz Crackers: In a resealable plastic bag, crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs. You can use a rolling pin or your hands to crush them.
2. Melt the Butter: In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop.
3. Combine Crackers and Butter: Pour the melted butter over the crushed Ritz crackers and stir to combine. The crackers should be evenly coated with butter.

Baking the Casserole:

Almost there! Now it’s time to bake the casserole until it’s bubbly and golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen and make your mouth water!

1. Sprinkle the Topping: Sprinkle the Ritz cracker topping evenly over the top of the casserole.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the topping is golden brown and crispy. The cheese should be melted and bubbly.
3. Let it Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to slice.

Serving Suggestions:

This Neiman Marcus Casserole is a complete meal in itself, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread. It’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a cozy weeknight dinner. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Neiman Marcus Casserole isn’t just another recipe; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, a comforting classic, and a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!). The creamy, cheesy layers, combined with the savory chicken and that perfectly crunchy topping, create a symphony of textures and flavors that’s simply irresistible. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone looking to impress at their next potluck, holiday gathering, or even just a cozy weeknight dinner.

But why is it so special? It’s the simplicity, really. The ingredients are readily available, the steps are straightforward, and the result is something far greater than the sum of its parts. It’s the kind of dish that evokes memories of home-cooked meals and shared laughter around the table. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel good, inside and out. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t need a little bit of that in their life?

Beyond its inherent deliciousness, this casserole is incredibly versatile. Looking for serving suggestions? Serve it alongside a crisp green salad and some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Want to elevate it for a special occasion? Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.

And speaking of versatility, don’t be afraid to experiment with variations! For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream sauce. If you’re a mushroom lover, sauté some sliced mushrooms and incorporate them into the filling. You could even swap out the chicken for turkey or ham, depending on your preference. For a vegetarian option, consider using a hearty vegetable like broccoli or cauliflower in place of the meat. The possibilities are endless!

I’ve made this Neiman Marcus Casserole countless times, and it’s always a hit. I’ve tweaked it, adapted it, and personalized it to my own tastes, and I encourage you to do the same. Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it and make it your own signature dish.

Serving and Variation Ideas:

* Side Dish Pairing: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the richness of the casserole.
* Bread Accompaniment: Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
* Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for a spicy kick.
* Mushroom Addition: Sauté sliced mushrooms and add them to the filling for an earthy flavor.
* Meat Substitutions: Replace the chicken with turkey, ham, or even cooked sausage.
* Vegetarian Option: Use broccoli, cauliflower, or another hearty vegetable in place of the meat.
* Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese in the topping, such as Gruyere or Parmesan.

I truly hope you’ll give this recipe a try. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. And when you do, please, please, please share your experience! Let me know what you think, what variations you tried, and how it turned out. I’m always eager to hear from fellow food lovers and learn from your culinary adventures. Share your photos on social media and tag me – I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy cooking!