Aunt Bea'S Company Beef Casserole
A hearty baked casserole combining savory beef, creamy cheeses, and tender noodles, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests with comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the lean hamburger in 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Stir in tomato sauce and remove from heat.
- Boil noodles and drain.
- Combine cottage cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, and chopped green pepper.
- Butter a casserole dish and put half the cooked noodles in it.
- Cover the noodles with the cheese mixture.
- Add the remaining noodles over the cheese mixture.
- Pour melted butter over the top.
- Spread the cooked hamburger sauce over everything.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of lean hamburger. You can substitute low-fat cream cheese and sour cream to reduce calories. If you have leftover vegetables, such as spinach or mushrooms, feel free to incorporate them into the cheese mixture. Make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly to balance flavors. This dish is versatile and can be adapted to suit your pantry staples.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a side salad or some crusty Garlic Bread Pizza for a complete meal. A fresh Warm Broccoli Salad can also add a nutritious crunch to balance the richness of the casserole. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, as it can easily be scaled up for larger servings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, ensuring even heating by covering with a damp paper towel.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Bea'S Company Beef Casserole contains roughly 611 calories, with 14g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 552mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What can I use if I don't have cottage cheese?
If you don't have cottage cheese, ricotta cheese is a great substitute that will provide a similar texture and flavor. You could also use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist, or even a combination of cream cheese and sour cream to maintain creaminess in the dish.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. After it has cooled completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F until heated through, usually about 30-40 minutes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).