Classic Company Casserole (Church Cookbook Favorite)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven. Set the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Preparing the dish ahead of time helps ensure easy assembly and prevents sticking.
2. Brown the beef. In a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the ground beef until fully browned and cooked through. Break it into small crumbles as it cooks so the texture remains even. Once browned, drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
3. Add the tomato sauce. Stir the tomato sauce into the cooked beef and allow it to simmer for 2–3 minutes. This helps the flavors blend and thickens the mixture slightly so it layers well in the casserole.
4. Mix the creamy layer. In a medium bowl, stir together the cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, and finely chopped green onions. Mix until fully combined and smooth. The cream cheese should be at room temperature so everything blends easily without lumps.
5. Layer the casserole. Spread half of the cooked noodles into the prepared baking dish. Spoon the cottage cheese mixture evenly over the noodles, spreading it to the edges. Add the remaining noodles on top to complete the pasta layers, then drizzle the melted butter over this top layer so it soaks into the noodles as they bake.
6. Add the beef mixture. Spread the tomato beef mixture evenly over the noodles. Make sure the entire surface is covered so the casserole bakes uniformly, allowing the tomato sauce to seep into the noodles and create a cohesive texture.
7. Top with cheddar. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the beef layer. As it bakes, the cheddar melts into a bubbly, golden topping that adds both flavor and visual appeal.
8. Bake. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly golden in spots. The casserole should look hot and set around the edges.
9. Rest before serving. Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 10–15 minutes. This helps the layers settle and makes slicing easier while keeping the creamy texture intact.

Serving Notes

This casserole serves beautifully on its own or with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. It also reheats well, making leftovers just as comforting. With its creamy layers, hearty beef, and warm cheddar topping, it’s no wonder this dish has stayed in your family for years — it’s a true church-cookbook classic that brings comfort and nostalgia with every bite.