Are you looking for a comforting, delicious dish to serve at your next family gathering or company potluck? Look no further than the Company Casserole. This hearty, layered dish combines the rich flavors of ground beef, creamy cheeses, and tender egg noodles, creating a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. In this article, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about making the perfect Company Casserole, from the ingredients to the step-by-step cooking instructions, as well as tips on serving and presentation. Let's dive into this mouthwatering recipe!

What is Company Casserole?
Company Casserole is a classic American dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s a layered casserole featuring egg noodles, seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, and a creamy mixture of cheeses and vegetables. This dish is not only filling but also incredibly flavorful, making it a great choice for family dinners, potlucks, and other gatherings. The combination of textures and flavors in this casserole makes it a standout dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients List for Company Casserole
To make this delicious casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 cup small curd cottage cheese
- ½ cup chopped green onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped green peppers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about the Company Casserole is its versatility. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
- Ground Meat: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as ricotta instead of cottage cheese, or add shredded mozzarella or cheddar for extra cheesy goodness.
- Vegetables: Add more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or diced tomatoes to increase the nutritional value and add more flavor.
- Noodles: Swap out egg noodles for whole wheat pasta or gluten-free noodles if you have dietary restrictions.
- Sauce: Use marinara sauce instead of plain tomato sauce for a more robust flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Cook Company Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Cook the Noodles: Begin by cooking the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them and set them aside.
- Prepare the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
- Add Tomato Sauce: Stir the tomato sauce into the browned beef and remove the skillet from heat. Set aside.
- Mix the Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, chopped green onion, and chopped green peppers. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a large casserole dish. Spread half of the cooked noodles in the bottom of the dish. Cover the noodles with half of the cheese mixture, then layer half of the beef mixture over the cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, cheese mixture, and beef mixture.
- Add Butter: Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the casserole. Press down slightly to compact the layers.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. If you prefer a drier casserole, bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a perfect Company Casserole can be easy if you avoid these common mistakes:
- Overcooking the Noodles: Ensure you cook the noodles al dente as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Not Draining the Meat: Be sure to drain the excess fat from the ground beef to prevent the casserole from becoming too greasy.
- Improper Layering: Follow the layering instructions carefully to ensure even distribution of ingredients and flavors.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Company Casserole
Serve your Company Casserole hot, directly from the oven. Pair it with a fresh green salad and a loaf of crusty bread for a complete meal. This dish is perfect for both casual family dinners and more formal gatherings.
Presentation Ideas for Company Casserole
To make your casserole visually appealing:
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top before serving for a pop of color.
- Serve in Style: Use a beautiful, oven-to-table casserole dish to serve. This saves you the hassle of transferring and keeps the dish warm.
- Portion Control: Serve individual portions in ramekins for a sophisticated touch at dinner parties.
Company Casserole Recipe Tips
Here are some additional tips to ensure your Company Casserole is a success:
- Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just remember to extend the baking time slightly if baking from chilled.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Assemble the dish and freeze it before baking. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the freezer, adding extra time as needed.
- Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use low-fat dairy products in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can substitute low-fat versions of cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese to reduce the calorie content of the dish without significantly altering the taste.
Q: Can I add other herbs and spices to the beef mixture?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add garlic, Italian seasoning, or crushed red pepper flakes to enhance the flavor of the beef mixture.
Q: How can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that all other ingredients (such as the tomato sauce) are certified gluten-free.
Q: What side dishes go well with Company Casserole?
A: This casserole pairs wonderfully with a green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.
Q: Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?
A: While this recipe is designed for the oven, you could adapt it for the slow cooker. Assemble the casserole in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. The texture may be slightly different, but it should still be delicious.
Conclusion
Company Casserole is a comforting and versatile dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. With its layers of tender noodles, savory beef, and creamy cheeses, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or a company potluck, this casserole is bound to impress. Follow our step-by-step guide, experiment with substitutions and variations, and enjoy the delightful flavors of this classic dish. Happy cooking!
PrintCompany Casserole Recipe
Company Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for gatherings. This recipe combines egg noodles, lean ground beef, and a rich creamy sauce made with cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. It's an easy-to-make meal that will satisfy any crowd.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 cup small curd cottage cheese
- ½ cup chopped green onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped green peppers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the egg noodles according to package directions; drain.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese.
- Mix cooked noodles with the cheese mixture.
- In a greased casserole dish, layer half the noodle mixture, then the beef mixture, followed by the remaining noodles.
- Top with green onions and green peppers. Drizzle melted butter on top.
- Bake for 30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- Use low-fat cream cheese and cottage cheese for a lighter version.
- Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
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