If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings a touch of Southern charm and hearty flavor to your table, the Reunion Pea Casserole Recipe is an absolute must-try. This casserole combines tender ground beef, creamy beans, vivid green chiles, and fresh garden vegetables nestled in a buttery crescent roll crust, all crowned with a melty blend of pepper jack and cheddar cheeses. It’s the kind of recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds, effortlessly weaving together rich textures and bold flavors into a dish that’s as satisfying as it is memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Reunion Pea Casserole Recipe shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a critical role in delivering layers of flavor, texture, and color, turning a humble casserole into a festive main course everyone will love.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides a savory, meaty base that’s perfectly seasoned.
- 1 (16 oz) can black-eyed peas, drained: Adds creaminess and a hint of sweetness with a traditional Southern twist.
- 1 (16 oz) can cannellini beans, drained: Brings extra heartiness and a smooth texture to the mix.
- 1 (4 oz) can chopped green chiles, drained: Infuses a subtle kick and bright green color.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances aroma and depth of flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin: Adds warmth and a touch of earthy spice.
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a hint of herbal freshness.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Brings subtle heat and complexity.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances and elevates all the flavors.
- 2 (8 oz) cans refrigerated crescent rolls: Forms a flaky, buttery crust that encases the filling delightfully.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Used for sautéing veggies, adding richness.
- 1 large zucchini, sliced: Brings tender crunch and fresh garden flavor.
- 1 large yellow squash, sliced: Adds mild sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 yellow onion, chopped: Offers a savory base and gentle sweetness when sautéed.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: Bind the filling together for perfect sliceability.
- 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese: Delivers a creamy texture with a bit of spicy heat.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Adds sharpness and melts beautifully on top.
How to Make Reunion Pea Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Preheat the Oven
Start by browning the ground beef over medium heat until it’s fully cooked through and nicely crumbled. As that simmers, don’t forget to preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). This step ensures your crust bakes evenly and the casserole melds together beautifully.
Step 2: Combine the Beef with Seasoned Beans and Chiles
Drain the cooked beef well to remove any excess grease, then stir it into a large bowl alongside black-eyed peas, cannellini beans, and chopped green chiles. Toss in garlic powder, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and salt so every bite bursts with aromatic, comforting spices that sing of home cooking.
Step 3: Prepare and Partially Bake the Crescent Roll Crust
Gently unroll the crescent roll dough into two rectangles and press them into the bottom and up the sides of a 9×13 inch baking dish, creating a sturdy but flaky crust. Pop it into the oven for 10 minutes to get a head start on browning—this step prevents sogginess once the filling goes in.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
While your crust is baking, melt butter in a skillet and add zucchini, yellow squash, and chopped onion. Sauté until the veggies become tender and wonderfully fragrant, adding a fresh and slightly sweet layer that balances the richness of the meat and beans.
Step 5: Mix Filling Ingredients and Assemble
Now, combine the beef-bean mixture with your sautéed vegetables, beaten eggs, pepper jack cheese, and 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese. Pour this hearty mixture evenly into your partially baked crust and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top for a golden, bubbling finish.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Bake your casserole for 25 to 30 minutes, watching as the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly layer that wraps everything in gooey goodness. Your kitchen will start to smell irresistible by this point.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked to perfection, let the casserole cool just a bit before cutting it into squares. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to serve while preserving that delightful melty texture inside.
How to Serve Reunion Pea Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh pop, sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh cilantro over each serving. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of salsa can add creaminess and a tangy contrast that complements the spicy pepper jack cheese perfectly.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or cornbread to stay in the Southern spirit. Roasted root vegetables or a light coleslaw provide balance and additional textures that round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming presentation at your reunion or family gathering. You can also layer it with a side of guacamole or sliced avocado for a fun Tex-Mex twist that guests will surely admire.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Reunion Pea Casserole Recipe leftovers should be cooled completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 to 4 days, making perfect next-day lunches or late-night snacks.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this casserole another time, freeze it before baking or after it has completely cooled post-baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or use an airtight freezer container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a quick option or warm the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through. This helps maintain the flaky crust texture and melty cheesy top without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and add extra beans or even textured vegetable protein to maintain the hearty texture. The cheeses and vegetables will still provide plenty of flavor and satisfaction.
What can I substitute for crescent rolls?
If you don’t have crescent rolls, puff pastry or refrigerated biscuit dough can work well as a crust alternative. Just be sure to adjust baking times accordingly and watch for golden-browning.
Is this casserole spicy because of the green chiles?
The canned green chiles add a mild, smoky heat that enhances flavor without overwhelming the dish. If you prefer less spice, you can reduce the amount or use mild diced green peppers instead.
Can I prepare this casserole a day in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh on the day you want to serve for best texture and flavor.
What makes this Reunion Pea Casserole Recipe special for gatherings?
The casserole’s combination of Southern ingredients and comforting cheesy crust makes it the perfect dish to bring people together. It’s filling, flavorful, and serves a crowd with ease, embodying the spirit of family and reunion meals.
Final Thoughts
This Reunion Pea Casserole Recipe has quickly become one of those cherished dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a family reunion or a cozy weeknight dinner, it never fails to impress with its blend of textures and irresistible savory flavors. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming a staple in your own collection of beloved recipes.
Print
Reunion Pea Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 56 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 16 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
A hearty and comforting Reunion Pea Casserole featuring ground beef, black-eyed peas, cannellini beans, sautéed vegetables, and a cheesy crescent roll crust. This savory casserole blends flavorful spices with melted pepper jack and cheddar cheese for a satisfying family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Beans
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (16 oz) can black-eyed peas, drained
- 1 (16 oz) can cannellini beans, drained
- 1 (4 oz) can chopped green chiles, drained
Spices
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Crust and Dairy
- 2 (8 oz) cans refrigerated crescent rolls
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Vegetables
- 1 large zucchini, sliced
- 1 large yellow squash, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Place the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat and cook until browned and no longer pink. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) while cooking.
- Combine beans and spices: Remove the browned beef from the skillet and drain any excess grease. In a bowl, mix the beef with black-eyed peas, cannellini beans, chopped green chiles, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and salt until evenly combined.
- Prepare and bake crust: Roll out the crescent roll dough into two rectangles and press them into a 9×13 inch baking dish, forming a crust along the bottom and up the sides. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to partially cook it.
- Sauté vegetables: While the crust bakes, melt the unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced zucchini, sliced yellow squash, and chopped yellow onion. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Mix casserole filling: In a large bowl, combine the beef and bean mixture, sautéed vegetables, beaten eggs, shredded pepper jack cheese, and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble and bake casserole: Pour the filling mixture into the partially baked crescent roll crust. Evenly sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese on top. Bake the assembled casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until it is golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly, about 5-10 minutes, before cutting into squares and serving warm.
Notes
- Drain the beans and green chiles well to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
- For a spicier casserole, add diced jalapeños or increase the amount of green chiles.
- You can substitute pepper jack cheese with mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Make sure the vegetables are sautéed until tender to avoid adding raw vegetables to the casserole.
