Classic Company Casserole Recipe

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. This will ensure your casserole doesn’t stick and bakes evenly.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat, sauté the 1 pound of lean ground beef until browned and cooked through. Break up the beef into small crumbles as it cooks. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
3. Add Tomato Sauce: Stir in the 2 cans of tomato sauce with the cooked beef. Let the mixture cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Afterward, set the beef mixture aside to cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of cottage cheese, 8 oz. of room temperature cream cheese, 1/3 cup sour cream, and 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions. Stir the ingredients together until they form a smooth, creamy mixture. The combination of cream cheese and cottage cheese adds richness and a delightful tang to the casserole.
5. Layer the Casserole: Begin by spreading half of the cooked and drained egg noodles into the prepared baking dish. Then, top the noodles with the creamy cottage cheese mixture, spreading it out evenly. Add the remaining noodles on top of the cheese mixture. Drizzle the melted butter over the noodles to add extra flavor and ensure a golden, crispy top.
6. Top with Beef and Cheese: Spoon the tomato beef mixture over the top of the noodles, spreading it evenly to cover the layers below. Finally, sprinkle 2/3 cup of grated cheddar cheese over the entire casserole, ensuring that the cheese will melt beautifully and create a bubbly, golden crust when baked.
7. Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly, and the casserole should be hot throughout. Keep an eye on it as it bakes to ensure the cheese doesn’t over-brown.
8. Rest Before Serving: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the layers to set and make it easier to cut and serve. The flavors will also continue to develop as it cools slightly.
   

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