Los Feliz Casserole
A hearty casserole with tender noodles, savory ground beef, creamy cheese layers, and melted cheddar, perfect for satisfying family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. noodles ⓘ
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/3 c. green onions, chopped ⓘ
- seasoning to taste (chili powder, coriander or cumin) ⓘ
- 8 oz. cream cheese ⓘ
- 1 c. cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sour cream ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. melted butter or vegetable or olive oil ⓘ
- grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook noodles in boiling water until almost done. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet; add tomato sauce, chopped green pepper, chopped green onions, and seasoning to taste. Cook gently for 10 minutes.
- Spread half of the cooked noodles in the bottom of a casserole pan.
- Spread all of the cheese mixture (cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, melted butter or oil) over the noodles.
- Layer the remaining noodles over the cheese mixture.
- Top with all of the meat mixture.
- Sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake at 350°F until heated through and the cheese is melted and browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using a mix of ricotta and cream cheese instead of just cream cheese. You can also substitute the lean ground beef with turkey or a plant-based meat alternative for a healthier option. Adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach can enhance the flavor profile, similar to the heartiness found in recipes like Vegetable Gumbo.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a complete meal on its own but pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for added freshness. For a comforting dinner, serve it alongside garlic bread or corn on the cob. It's also great for potlucks or family gatherings, similar to Dana'S One Dish Meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Los Feliz Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or bake it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Los Feliz Casserole contains roughly 464 calories, with 16g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (112% of the Daily Value), calcium (38% of the Daily Value), and protein (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, 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 cottage cheese?
If you prefer not to use cottage cheese, you can substitute it with ricotta cheese for a similar texture. Greek yogurt is another great option that adds creaminess while boosting the protein content. Adjust seasoning as needed, as each substitute may have a slightly different flavor.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble it and wrap it tightly. To freeze after baking, allow it to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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).