Yankee Doodle Casserole

I didn’t grow up in a casserole household. Aside from the occasional tuna casserole and King Ranch casserole, this was a category of recipes my parents didn’t turn to very often. Now, as an adult with school-aged children, I’ve started dabbling with casseroles because they truly save me and my family when it comes to busy weeknight dinners. So far, I’ve found a few solid gems that I wish had been in my childhood dinner repertoire. Yankee Doodle casserole is one of them.

If you grew up on casseroles, then this recipe may ring a bell. I think the reason my kids especially love this dish is that it tastes like a combination of some of their favorite foods: grilled cheese and tomato soup, macaroni and cheese, and grilled hot dogs. Dinnertime success is basically baked right into this recipe.

Why is it called Yankee Doodle casserole?

As with many beloved old-fashioned recipes, no one knows exactly who invented Yankee Doodle casserole (also called Yankee Doodle noodle) or when it first appeared on dinner tables. Most sources agree, however, that this dish was born sometime during the mid-20th century, when casseroles became a staple in many households.

World War II brought many women into the workforce for the first time, and convenience foods like condensed soup and processed meats surged in popularity. They were not only affordable but also made mealtimes quick and easy for working moms who were still expected to have a home-cooked meal on the table for dinner at the end of the day.

The post-war era also brought a wave of patriotism to America. To piggyback on this trend, many grocery stores and food companies would attach the “Yankee Doodle” name to quick, convenience-based recipes to promote fast patriotic holiday meals. Likely, Yankee Doodle casserole was originally marketed as a convenient, affordable meal steeped in Americana, ideal for serving around the Fourth of July. Today, however, it’s a quick comfort food recipe you can enjoy any night of the week.

Yankee Doodle Casserole Ingredients

• Hot dogs: While modern variations of Yankee Doodle casserole will include ground beef or chicken, hot dogs are the old-school way to prepare this dish.
• Onion: A bit of sauteed onion adds a little depth of flavor to this humble recipe.
• Butter: Butter helps the onions and hot dogs brown, and it encourages the bread crumbs to turn golden in the oven.
• Condensed soup: A duo of condensed cheddar cheese soup and canned tomato soup creates a flavorful sauce that’s similar in taste to another nostalgic dish: SpaghettiOs.
• Petite diced tomatoes: Don’t drain the diced tomatoes. The liquid is vital to the recipe and adds a layer of more tomato flavor.
• Milk: You can use any milk you enjoy for this recipe. I suggest whole milk to add richness and body to the sauce.
• Black pepper: A few cracks of black pepper add a zippy bite and warmth to the cheesy tomato sauce.
• Penne pasta: Uncooked pasta will cook right in the sauce as the casserole bakes in the oven. Easy-peasy!
• Cheddar cheese: The pièce de résistance: a layer of ooey-gooey melted cheese. Use sharp cheddar for the most intense flavor.
• Panko bread crumbs: A small handful of buttered bread crumbs gives the top of the casserole a crispy coating that’s simply irresistible.

Directions

Step 1: Brown the hot dogs with the onion

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish and set aside.

In a large skillet, over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, then add the onions and hot dog slices. Cook for five to eight minutes, until the hot dogs are browned and the onions have softened.

Step 2: Make the sauce and combine

In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed tomato soup, condensed cheddar cheese soup, milk, black pepper and diced tomatoes. Stir in the onion and hot dog mixture along with the uncooked pasta.

Step 3: Cover with foil and bake

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.

Step 4: Butter the bread crumbs

Meanwhile, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and stir into the bread crumbs.

Step 5: Top with cheese and bread crumbs

Remove the foil from the baking dish. Sprinkle the top of the casserole with the shredded cheddar cheese and the buttered bread crumbs. Bake, uncovered, for five to eight minutes or until the cheese melts and the bread crumbs are golden. Remove and let stand for five minutes, then scoop onto plates and serve.

Yankee Doodle Casserole Variations

• Consider hot dog alternatives: While hot dogs are the original choice, you can substitute an equal amount of diced chicken breast or ground beef in this recipe. Fully cook the chicken or beef with the onions before adding the meat to the casserole.
• Add veggies: Everyone has their own way of making a traditional Yankee Doodle casserole. Try adding sauteed celery or mushrooms to the dish. Artichoke hearts, bell peppers and peas also appear in certain versions of this casserole recipe.
• Use a different condensed soup: For a milder tomato flavor, consider swapping in a can of condensed cream of chicken, cream of celery or cream of mushroom soup for the canned tomato soup.

How to Store Yankee Doodle Casserole

Yankee Doodle casserole should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated.

How long does Yankee Doodle casserole last?

Yankee Doodle noodle bake is best enjoyed within three or four days.

Can you freeze Yankee Doodle casserole?

Yes! You can freeze a baked or unbaked Yankee Doodle casserole, tightly wrapped in storage wrap and aluminum foil, for up to three months. Defrost the freezer-friendly casserole overnight and bake as directed.

You could also bake the casserole directly from frozen, increasing the cook time until the casserole is heated through and the noodles are al dente.

How should you reheat Yankee Doodle casserole?

You can reheat leftover Yankee Doodle casserole in the microwave until heated through. Alternatively, warm it in a preheated 350° oven, covered with foil, until heated through.

Yankee Doodle Casserole Tips

What other types of pasta can you use for this casserole?

Any short-cut pasta shape will work great in this recipe. Rotini, rigatoni, farfalle, cavatappi, macaroni or ziti would all work splendidly. Note that the cook time may increase for shapes thicker or larger than penne. Conversely, macaroni noodles may cook more quickly. For best results, test the pasta after 30 minutes and adjust the time accordingly.

What else can you serve with Yankee Doodle casserole?

A Yankee Doodle casserole pairs well with countless classic homestyle sides. Serve with a side of green bean amandine, a batch of homemade buttermilk biscuits or fluffy Parker House rolls. For balance, add a green salad with a simple vinaigrette.