From the Pantry - Hungry Boys' Casserole

This weekend we attended my husband's 35th class reunion and we had a great time.  By the time you are in your early 50's, no one at a reunion cares about what you drive, what kind of house you live in or what your income is.  They just care about your kids, pets and perhaps grandchildren and want to reminisce about the good ole days in high school.  It was a lot of fun. 

But now, on to another recipe from the pantry and it is another "bean" recipe.  This is one of my favorites but I wouldn't serve it back to back with other bean recipes if you know what I mean.  This recipe is a stand by and it is really delicious.  What I like about this recipe and the recipe for the Chili Beef Casserole is that both of them are different from a baked bean casserole recipe.   

Hungry Boys' Casserole

1 lb. hamburger
1 cup celery, sliced
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced (or substitute dried minced garlic)
1 can tomato paste
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
2 - 1 lb. cans pork n beans, undrained
1 tomato paste can full of water

Brown the hamburger with the celery, onion and garlic til hamburger is cooked and vegetables are tender.  Drain.  Add the rest of the ingredients and stir together.  Pour into a casserole dish (I use an 11 x 7 inch rectangular pan).  Top with drop biscuits (recipe follows).

Biscuits:

1 1/2 cup flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup margarine
1/2 cup milk

Sift flour, baking powder and salt.  Cut in the margarine.  Add the milk and stir into a dough.  Drop by tablespoons on top of bean mixture.  Bake at 425 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. 

This is a hearty recipe and I love the homemade drop biscuits on top of this casserole.  My family loves this recipe and we usually don't have enough leftovers for another meal. 

When celery goes on sale, I buy it and slice it and freeze it in 1/2 cup portions for casseroles.  Just thaw and saute and use in your recipe.