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