Beef Buffet Casserole
A hearty beef casserole layered with noodles, cheese, green olives, and flavorful seasonings, perfect for comforting family dinners and gatherings that enjoy rich, savory tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet.
- Add chopped onion and cook for 10 minutes.
- Add tomato sauce and seasonings, then simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook noodles according to package directions, then drain and rinse.
- Blend cottage cheese and sour cream until smooth.
- Add chopped green olives to the cheese mixture and mix with noodles.
- Spread about half of the noodle mixture in a greased 3-quart baking dish.
- Top with half of the meat sauce.
- Add remaining noodles and meat sauce mixture on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting ground turkey for the ground round. If you're short on time, pre-cooked noodles can be used, though be sure to adjust the baking time slightly. Adding a sprinkle of grated cheese on top before baking can enhance flavor. For vegetarian recipes, try using lentils or a meat substitute in place of the beef.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside warm, crusty Combination Rolls to soak up the delicious sauce. For a comforting dessert, finish off with a slice of Holiday Inn Strawberry Pie to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Beef Buffet Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience, but be sure not to overheat to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Buffet Casserole contains roughly 256 calories, with 26g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (134% of the Daily Value), protein (52% of the Daily Value), and calcium (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. At about 256 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. If baking from cold, you may need to add an additional 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this casserole gluten-free, substitute traditional noodles with gluten-free pasta. Ensure all sauces and ingredients used are certified gluten-free, especially the Worcestershire sauce and tomato sauce.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If you're not a fan of cottage cheese, you can substitute with ricotta cheese for a similar texture, or use Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor. Both options will maintain the creaminess of the dish.
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).