Company Casserole

Company Casserole Recipe - A Delicious American Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Company Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd. This hearty casserole is made with layers of noodles, a creamy cheese mixture, and a savory tomato-meat sauce. It is a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.

History

The origins of Company Casserole are unclear, but it has been a popular dish in American households for many years. This casserole is often served at potlucks, family gatherings, and other social events because it is easy to make and can feed a large group of people. The combination of noodles, cheese, and meat in this casserole is a winning combination that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

4 cups noodles (0.5 lb or 227 g)
1 tbsp butter or margarine
1 lb or 454 g ground beef
2 cans of tomato sauce (8 oz or 227 g each)
1 cup cottage cheese
1 package of soft cream cheese (8 oz or 227 g)
0.25 cup sour cream
0.33 cup minced scallions (or onion)
1 tbsp minced green peppers (I add more)
2 tbsp melted butter or margarine

How to prepare

Cook the noodles according to the package instructions and drain them.
Meanwhile, melt butter in a skillet and sauté the meat until it is browned.
Stir in the tomato sauce.
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Combine cottage cheese and the next 4 ingredients (cream cheese through green peppers).
In a 2 qt (1.89 liter) casserole dish, spread half of the noodles, then cover them with the cheese mixture, and finally cover with the remaining noodles.
Pour melted butter over the noodles, followed by the tomato-meat sauce.
Bake in a 375°F (191°C) oven for approximately 45 minutes.

Variations

Replace the tomato sauce with two cans of tomato soup.
Add cooked vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the cheese mixture.
Use different types of cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter version of this casserole.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the noodles al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.

- Make sure to drain the noodles well before layering them in the casserole dish.

- Feel free to customize the cheese mixture with your favorite herbs and spices for added flavor.

- For a healthier version, you can use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.

Serving Suggestions

Company Casserole pairs well with a side salad and garlic bread.

Cooking Techniques

Layering the noodles, cheese mixture, and meat sauce in the casserole dish ensures that each bite is full of flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute ricotta cheese for the cottage cheese in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the casserole with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil before serving.

Pairing Recommendations

Company Casserole pairs well with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Company Casserole contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Company Casserole contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Company Casserole contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Company Casserole contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Company Casserole is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese, sour cream) and wheat (noodles), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Company Casserole is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is a satisfying dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd.

Summary

Company Casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd. With layers of noodles, a creamy cheese mixture, and a savory tomato-meat sauce, this casserole is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a dreary winter day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that I had found tucked away in the attic. As I turned the yellowed pages, a recipe for Company Casserole caught my eye. The ingredients were simple – ground beef, noodles, tomato sauce, and cheese – but there was something about the way they were combined that intrigued me.

I had never heard of Company Casserole before, but I knew that I had to try it. I immediately set to work gathering the ingredients and following the instructions. As the casserole baked in the oven, the tantalizing aroma filled the kitchen, making my stomach growl in anticipation.

When it was finally ready, I took a bite and was instantly transported to a place of comfort and warmth. The flavors melded together perfectly, creating a dish that was both hearty and comforting. I knew that this would become a staple in my recipe collection.

Over the years, I have made Company Casserole countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my tastes. Each time I make it, I am reminded of that first snowy day in the attic and the discovery of a new favorite dish.

As I continued to make Company Casserole, I discovered that it was a hit with family and friends alike. Whenever I invited guests over for dinner, they would always ask for the recipe. I would smile and tell them that it was a family secret, passed down through generations.

But the truth was, I had stumbled upon the recipe by chance. It wasn't something that had been handed down to me from my own family. Instead, it was a happy accident, a discovery that had brought me joy and comfort in equal measure.

As the years went by, I continued to experiment with the recipe, adding new ingredients and techniques to make it my own. I learned to make my own tomato sauce from scratch, using fresh tomatoes from my garden. I swapped out the ground beef for ground turkey, making the dish healthier without sacrificing flavor.

But no matter how many times I tweaked the recipe, the essence of Company Casserole remained the same. It was a dish that brought people together, that warmed the soul on a cold winter's day, that filled the house with the comforting scent of home.

I shared the recipe with anyone who asked, knowing that it was too good to keep to myself. And each time I made it, I would think back to that day in the attic, to the moment when I first laid eyes on the recipe that would become a beloved tradition in my home.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, stirring a pot of bubbling tomato sauce, I can't help but smile at the memories that this simple dish holds. It may not have been handed down through generations, but it has become a part of my family's story, a thread that ties us together through good times and bad.

And as I take the steaming casserole out of the oven, ready to serve it to my loved ones, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the recipe that brought us all together. Company Casserole may have been a chance discovery, but it has become a cherished tradition in our home, a reminder of the power of food to nourish not just our bodies, but our souls as well.