Carry Along Casserole
Carry Along Casserole is a hearty, comforting baked dish with savory ground beef, creamy cottage cheese, and tender macaroni, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onions
- 1/4 c. chopped green peppers ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. marjoram leaves
- 3/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 c. water ⓘ
- 2 c. cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1 c. sour cream ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped parsley
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. onion salt ⓘ
- 8 oz. elbow macaroni ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in butter in a skillet with onions and green peppers.
- Saute until meat is done.
- Stir in flour.
- Add tomato sauce, marjoram, salt, pepper, and water.
- Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
- Combine cottage cheese, sour cream, parsley, egg, and onion salt in a bowl.
- Mix well.
- Toss the cottage cheese mixture with cooked and drained macaroni.
- Layer alternately meat mixture and macaroni in a 3-quart casserole dish, ending with the meat layer.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding an extra cup of cottage cheese or sour cream. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked macaroni. To enhance the flavor, try adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture. This dish is a great way to use leftovers, similar to Beef Brown Rice.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier side, serve with steamed vegetables or roasted potatoes. You can also top it with shredded cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking for an extra cheesy finish. Enjoy with a glass of red wine for a comforting evening.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers 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 until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to add a splash of water to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carry Along Casserole contains roughly 376 calories, with 29g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (185% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (164% of the Daily Value), and potassium (91% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1442mg per serving (63% 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 the Carry Along Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole before or after baking. Just ensure it’s well-sealed in an airtight container or aluminum foil. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake at 375°F until heated through, about 45 minutes.
What can I use instead of elbow macaroni?
You can substitute elbow macaroni with any small pasta shape, such as shells or penne. If you prefer a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the alternative pasta you choose.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute. You can enhance the flavor with additional spices and vegetables, making it a hearty meal while keeping the base recipe intact.
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).