Beef And Dill Casserole
A hearty casserole combining seasoned ground beef, sausage, fresh dill, and creamy cheese with pasta, perfect for comforting family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 lb. sweet sausage ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 c. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. fresh dill ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 c. cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/3 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) cream cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 c. sour cream ⓘ
- 1/3 c. scallions ⓘ
- 8 oz. noodles ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown beef, sausage, and onion in a pan.
- Add salt, pepper, tomato sauce, and dill and simmer.
- Combine cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, chopped green pepper, and scallions.
- Place half of the cooked noodles in the bottom of a greased 3-quart casserole.
- Top with the cheese mixture, then add the remaining noodles.
- Pour the meat mixture over the noodles.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of beef and sausage. You can also swap out the cream cheese for Greek yogurt to reduce fat while maintaining creaminess. Fresh dill is essential for flavor; however, if unavailable, you can use dried dill, but reduce the quantity to about 1 tablespoon. Make sure to sauté the onion until translucent for a sweeter flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Beef And Dill Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside garlic bread or crusty rolls. You can also offer a dollop of sour cream on top for added richness. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Beef And Dill Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, ensuring it’s heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef And Dill Casserole contains roughly 224 calories, with 13g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), protein (26% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1027mg per serving (45% 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 the casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Be sure to cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
What can I use instead of noodles?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, consider using zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta. You can also try cauliflower rice or quinoa as a base, which will change the texture but still provide a delicious meal.
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).