Easy Company Casserole Recipe: Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food

Mixing up a hearty company casserole brings comfort to any gathering with unexpected warmth.

Creamy layers of flavor promise a delightful dining experience for everyone around the table.

Weeknight dinners demand quick, satisfying solutions that don’t compromise on taste.

Busy home cooks appreciate recipes combining simplicity and deliciousness in one beautiful dish.

Ingredients blend together effortlessly, creating a memorable meal that sparks conversation and connection.

Robust and filling, this casserole delivers pure satisfaction with every single bite.

Dive in and savor the delectable magic waiting on your plate.

What You’ll Need For Company Casserole

• Egg Noodles: Soft, tender base for the casserole that absorbs flavors well. Choose wide or medium-width noodles for best texture.

• Lean Ground Beef, Tomato Sauce: Hearty meat component with rich, tangy sauce for depth of flavor. Select fresh ground beef with minimal fat content.

• Cream Cheese, Sour Cream, Cottage Cheese: Creamy, smooth binding agents that add richness and tanginess. Full-fat versions provide best consistency and flavor. Opt for high-quality, fresh dairy products.

• Green Onion, Green Peppers: Fresh, crisp vegetables that provide subtle sharpness and color. Choose bright, firm green onions and peppers without blemishes.

• Melted Butter: Adds golden richness and helps create a light, crisp top layer. Use unsalted butter for better control of overall dish saltiness.

Company Casserole Prep Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F, getting it ready for a delicious meal.

Step 2: Prepare Noodle Base

Boil egg noodles following package instructions, then drain them completely.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a large skillet until it’s perfectly browned.

Tip out any extra grease.

Step 4: Create Savory Sauce

Pour tomato sauce into the beef and let it simmer, allowing flavors to mingle for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Whip Up Creamy Cheese Blend

• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Cottage cheese

Stir until smooth and well blended.

Step 6: Mix Noodles and Cheese

Fold the cooked noodles into the dreamy cheese mixture, ensuring every noodle gets coated.

Step 7: Layer the Casserole

• First layer: Half of the noodle-cheese mix
• Second layer: All of the beef mixture
• Final layer: Remaining noodle-cheese mix

Step 8: Add Fresh Toppings

• Chopped green onions
• Diced green peppers

Drizzle melted butter over everything.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 30 minutes.

Look for a bubbly, golden-brown top that signals it’s ready to devour.

Smart Tips for Company Casserole

• Pat noodles dry after draining to prevent excess moisture in the casserole, ensuring a perfect texture and preventing sogginess.
• Select lean ground beef with 80/20 or 85/15 fat content for maximum flavor and juiciness without making the dish too greasy.
• Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, lump-free cheese blend that integrates seamlessly.
• Experiment with different veggie combinations like diced red peppers or sliced mushrooms to add extra nutrition and personal flair.
• Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Company Casserole – Reheating Made Easy

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed casserole will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Warm individual servings in microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add splash of milk to prevent drying out.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covered with foil. Uncover last 5 minutes to restore crispy top.

Go-To Sides for Company Casserole

• Zesty Red Wine Pairing: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot to complement the rich beef and creamy cheese flavors, cutting through the casserole's richness with its smooth tannins.
• Fresh Green Salad Companion: Prepare a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty casserole, adding brightness and lightness to the meal.
• Cool Cucumber Slaw Side: Whip up a tangy cucumber and dill slaw that provides a refreshing crunch, offsetting the casserole's warm, comforting texture and adding a cool contrast.
• Herb-Infused Sparkling Water: Create a simple herb-infused sparkling water with fresh basil or mint to cleanse the palate between bites and offer a light, hydrating accompaniment.

Company Casserole: Crowd-Pleasing Adjustments

• Low-Carb Version: Replace egg noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content and create a lighter meal option.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-rich alternative that maintains the casserole's hearty texture.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut yogurt, and nutritional yeast to replace traditional dairy ingredients while preserving the creamy consistency.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or use spiralized vegetables to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals without compromising flavor.

FAQs

• Is this casserole good for feeding a crowd?

Yes, this Company Casserole serves 6-8 people and is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, making it an excellent dish for larger groups.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate it. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking directly from the refrigerator.

• What type of ground meat works best in this recipe?

While the recipe calls for ground beef, you can easily substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option without compromising flavor.

• How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Use store-brand cheese products, look for ground beef on sale, and consider buying noodles in bulk to reduce overall cost while maintaining the delicious taste of the casserole.

Creamy, Cheesy, and Perfect for Feeding a Crowd

• Quick Family Comfort: Perfect weeknight dinner that comes together easily for busy households.
• Minimal Prep Delight: Requires just one skillet and simple ingredients, making cooking stress-free and straightforward.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Combines creamy cheese layers with hearty beef, creating a satisfying meal everyone will love.
• Budget-Friendly Option: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, noodles, and basic dairy products for an economical dinner solution.

Company Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets nostalgia in this hearty Company Casserole, blending creamy textures with classic comfort food charm. Savory layers of ground beef, noodles, and rich cheese sauce promise a satisfying meal that brings families together around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 8 ounces (226 grams) egg noodles
• 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can tomato sauce

Dairy Ingredients:

• 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) package cream cheese
• 1 cup small curd cottage cheese
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Vegetable Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup chopped green onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped green peppers

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F, preparing it for the casserole’s baking process.
2. Prepare egg noodles according to package instructions, ensuring they are thoroughly drained and ready for layering.
3. Brown ground beef in a large skillet, carefully eliminating any excess fat to maintain a lean texture.
4. Enhance the meat with tomato sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together through a gentle simmering process.
5. Create a creamy cheese blend by combining cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese in a mixing bowl, whisking until smooth and well-integrated.
6. Gently fold the cooked noodles into the cheese mixture, ensuring each noodle is evenly coated with the rich, creamy sauce.
7. Prepare a casserole dish by lightly greasing its surface, then begin layering with precision: spread half the noodle-cheese mixture as the first foundation.
8. Distribute the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the first noodle layer, creating a robust middle section.
9. Complete the layering by covering the beef with the remaining noodle-cheese mixture, creating a harmonious stratification.
10. Garnish the casserole’s surface with freshly chopped green onions and diced green peppers for added flavor and visual appeal.
11. Drizzle melted butter across the top, ensuring a golden, crisp finish.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, watching for a bubbling texture and appetizing golden-brown coloration.

Notes

• Customize noodle type by swapping egg noodles with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives for dietary needs.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium tomato sauce and reducing added salt during cooking.
• Boost vegetable content by adding diced carrots, zucchini, or spinach to increase nutritional value.
• Enhance protein options by substituting ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for different dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg