Beef-Cheese Casserole
A hearty beef and cheese casserole with rich tomato flavors, creamy cheese layers, and a crispy Parmesan topping, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. extra lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 small chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 cup cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1/3 cup green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) package noodles, cooked and drained ⓘ
- grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet until beef is browned.
- Add salt, pepper, oregano, and tomato sauce to the skillet and simmer slowly.
- In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and chopped green pepper.
- Place half of the cooked and drained noodles in the bottom of a greased 3-quart casserole dish.
- Spread the cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Add the remaining noodles on top of the cheese mixture.
- Pour the meat mixture over the noodles and cheese layers.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and let brown slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some Italian herbs or a dash of hot sauce into the meat mixture. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef. Additionally, using whole wheat noodles can increase the fiber content. This dish can also be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This Beef-Cheese Casserole pairs wonderfully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a comforting winter meal, it’s reminiscent of hearty dishes like Winter Vegetable Beef Soup, making it a great option for family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, making it a convenient option for busy nights.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef-Cheese Casserole contains roughly 386 calories, with 13g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (35% of the Daily Value), calcium (32% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 818mg per serving (36% 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 use different types of cheese in this casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses. Cheddar, mozzarella, or even a blend can add a unique flavor profile to the dish. Just ensure that the cheese melts well to achieve a creamy texture.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
Can I freeze the Beef-Cheese Casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. To freeze, assemble the dish but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
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).