Beef in Mushroom Sauce Casserole

Here's a simple casserole dish I tried a few weeks ago from Reader's Digest "One Dish Meals" cookbook.

Preheat oven to 350.

Saute the following in 2 tablespoons oil, butter or margarine in a deep 12-inch skillet over moderate heat until slightly softened - 3 to 5 minutes:

1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed and drained
2 cloves garlic, minced

Add:

1 lb lean ground beef, or 8 oz each lean ground beef and pork
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/4 teaspoon each salt and black pepper

Cook, stirring until the meat is no longer pink - 3 to 5 minutes.

Mix in:

10-3/4 oz can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup milk
8-oz can sliced mushrooms with liquid
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

Bring to a simmer, then stir in:

4 oz uncooked medium-wide egg noodles

Spoon mixture into a greased 11 x 9 x 2 baking dish or shallow 2-1/2 quart casserole.

Sprinkle with:

1 cup coarsely shredded Gruyere cheese or 1/2 cup each shredded Gruyere and grated Parmesan.

Bake, uncovered for 35-45 minutes or until bubbling and lightly browned.