Casserole Del-Italiano
A comforting Italian casserole with creamy cheese layers, savory meat sauce, and tender noodles, perfect for family dinners and gatherings that love rich, hearty flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (use 325°F if using a glass pan).
- Combine cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions in a bowl.
- Layer half of the cooked egg noodles in the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Add the remaining noodles on top of the cheese layer.
- Pour the spaghetti sauce over the noodles and cheese layers.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, try using ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese. You can also add cooked vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor. If you prefer a bit of spice, mix in some Italian sausage or red pepper flakes with the spaghetti sauce. This dish is versatile and suits many Italian recipes, so feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Casserole Del-Italiano with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Cheese Ravioli In Primavera Sauce for a delightful Italian-inspired dinner. You can also top it with fresh basil or parsley before serving for added color and flavor. This casserole is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave or cover the entire dish with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months; just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Casserole Del-Italiano contains roughly 181 calories, with 8g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (12% 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Both will provide a similar creamy texture while reducing calories. Just make sure the alternative is softened before mixing to ensure a smooth consistency.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
This casserole is already vegetarian, but you can enhance its flavors by adding more vegetables. Consider incorporating sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms into the cheese mixture or layering them between the noodles. This will add nutrition and variety to your 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).