"Old Hearty" Cottage Supper
A hearty, cheesy ground beef casserole with corn and pasta, perfect for comforting family dinners and easy to customize in flavor and quantity.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sauté the sliced onion until translucent.
- Add the ground beef and cook, stirring, until browned.
- Stir in the cooked macaroni, grated Cheddar cheese, prepared mustard, and corn.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and simmer at 325°F in the oven or on a wood stove until flavors have mingled and the mixture is dry.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or bell peppers when sautéing the onions. Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef. If you want to boost the dish with vegetables, feel free to toss in some diced tomatoes or spinach. To maintain a creamy texture, mix in a little sour cream or cream cheese before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting touch, serve it alongside crusty bread or garlic bread. You can also top it with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor. Consider serving with a side of Plaza Soup for a complete supper.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the cottage supper in a baking dish covered with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Old Hearty" Cottage Supper contains roughly 937 calories, with 43g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (85% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (82% of the Daily Value), and calcium (76% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2005mg per serving (87% 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
How do I know when the dish is done cooking?
The dish is done when the flavors have melded together and the mixture is dry but not overly dry. Stir occasionally while it simmers to prevent sticking. A good indicator is when the cheese has melted and everything is heated through, usually taking about 30-40 minutes.
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).