Company Hot Dish
A comforting American casserole with savory ground beef, creamy cheeses, and tender noodles, perfect for family dinners and gatherings with rich, flavorful layers.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. noodles ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 to 2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 16 oz. can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 8 oz. package cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1 cup cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green onion ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook noodles in salted water until done but not soggy.
- Rinse noodles in cold water and drain.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet.
- Add salt, sugar, pepper, and tomato sauce to the beef and simmer slowly.
- In a bowl, combine cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and chopped green pepper (if using).
- Mix the cheese mixture with the cooked noodles and ground beef mixture.
- Transfer to a baking dish, top with grated Parmesan cheese, and dot with butter.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using ricotta cheese in place of cottage cheese. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you're short on time, pre-cooked noodles can save you a step. Adjust the sugar to your taste; a bit more can balance the acidity of the tomato sauce nicely. This dish also reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Company Hot Dish alongside a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine for an enjoyable dinner. For added color and flavor, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. This dish is also great for potlucks or family gatherings, offering comfort in each bite.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on medium power until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until bubbly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Company Hot Dish contains roughly 545 calories, with 15g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value), and protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1639mg per serving (71% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the hot dish a day in advance. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, just pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through completely.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
You can easily substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier or vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time if using leaner meats to prevent drying out. The flavors from the sauce will still shine through, making it a versatile dish.
Can I freeze the Company Hot Dish?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as usual. Freezing is a great way to enjoy this comforting meal at a later date.
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).