Beef And Cheese Bake Casserole
Hearty casserole of browned ground beef, creamy cheese layers, and tomato sauce—comforting, rich, and perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown 2 lb. ground beef with 1 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. pepper, 1 chopped onion, 2 Tbsp. chopped green pepper, and 1/2 tsp. garlic salt.
- Stir in 1 (16 oz.) can tomato sauce and 1 tsp. oregano; set aside.
- Blend 8 oz. softened cream cheese with 1 cup sour cream.
- Add 1 cup cottage cheese and mix well.
- Place half of the cooked 8 oz. noodles in a greased 9 x 13-inch pan and cover with the cheese mixture.
- Spread the remaining noodles over the cheese layer, then top with the beef mixture.
- If prepared ahead, refrigerate before baking. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Serve warm, garnished as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting ground turkey for the beef. You can also add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition. If you don’t have cream cheese, ricotta can be a good alternative. Make sure to drain excess fat after browning the beef for a healthier dish. This casserole can also be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it with garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the delicious sauce. For a comfort food twist, you could serve it alongside a bowl of Cheeseburger Chowder for a hearty dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Beef And Cheese Bake Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in an oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, ensuring they’re heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef And Cheese Bake Casserole contains roughly 238 calories, with 9g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 871mg per serving (38% 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 freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the Beef And Cheese Bake Casserole before baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will keep for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If you don't have cottage cheese, ricotta cheese or even Greek yogurt can be great substitutes. They will provide a similar creamy texture and flavor profile, ensuring the dish remains rich and satisfying.
Can I use other types of noodles?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for regular noodles, you can use egg noodles, whole wheat pasta, or even gluten-free alternatives. Just make sure to cook them according to package instructions before adding them to the casserole.
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).