I tend to have the energy of a cocker spaniel puppy and usually it serves me well. Sometimes, however, I have a tendency to take on too much or bite off a little more than I can chew. Thankfully, my mother has an incredible ability to sense when I am doing this. In such times, she does extremely helpful things like dropping by with a casserole for “a day you need to take a nap” and not think about dinner.
It might not be your actual mother, but we all need Bertas in our lives. Those people that step in with actions speaking louder than words. Is there someone who might need you to drop a casserole by this summer? Thanks Momma, this one was especially delicious.
This recipe hails from my grandmother, who is an exceptional cook. It is named Two M Pasta Treat after Mama and Macy, which is my grandmother and cousin. It really is so delicious! It freezes well, is easily doubled for a crowd or the freezer, and is super comforting. It’s made with minimal ingredients, but there’s something magical about the cottage cheese/sour cream topping. I will stop talking now, but I do hope you try it.
Set a big pot water to get it boiling for the noodles
Saute the green onion in the butter until tender
Add the beef and brown lightly, then drain well
Stir in the tomato sauce, oregano, basil, S&P and allow to simmer for 30 minutes
By now, the water should be boiling for the noodles, so cook them while your sauce simmers. Once the noodles cooked, drain and set aside.
Combine the cooked noodles with the tomato meat sauce
Combine the cottage cheese and sour cream and set aside
Place the noodles in a large casserole dish (or can divide between two dishes if you would like to freeze one)
Cover each dish with a layer of the cottage cheese/sour cream mixture
Top with the grated cheese
Bake uncovered at 350 for 25-30 minutes
IF BAKING FROM FROZEN: Personally, I rarely bake from frozen. I prefer to defrost ahead of time before baking. When I am well planned, I stick them in the fridge 2 days before so they can defrost completely before baking. However, if you find yourself needing to bake from frozen, double the cooking time, covering for the first 30 minutes then uncovering for the final 25-30 minutes.
1 (15 oz.) box shell noodles (can sub penne, rotini, or bowtie)
1/2 c chopped green onion
1 tbs butter
1.5 lbs ground beef (we used venison)
2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce
1/4 t oregano (can use fresh if you’ve got it)
1/4 t basil (delicious if you’ve got fresh!)
1 c small curd cottage cheese
1 c sour cream (can sub greek yogurt)
3/4 c grated cheese (we use sharp cheddar)
Mom to four wonderful little people. While they sleep, I cook.
In step 7 where it says cream cheese should that be cottage cheese or should cream cheese be in the ingredients list? This looks wonderful, cant wait to try it!
oh goodness thank you so much! a typo. no cream cheese. thank you for letting me know!
Was literally coming to comment on making this for dinner and had the same question about cottage cheese or cream cheese… thankfully I’d bought the right one’!! Just pulled it out of the oven!!
What are your thoughts on subbing Greek yogurt for sour cream in this recipe?
I have never tried it. I think you could I would just maybe strain the greek yogurt to make sure it isn’t too watery, but I think that is the worst that could happen. Is this for caloric purposes? Please let me know if you try it!!
No! We just typically have Greek yogurt and never have sour cream. I’m going to try it this week and I’ll let you know!
Made this tonight with the Greek yogurt! Turned out great! I didn’t even need to strain it.
What kind of grated cheese do you use on top? This looks delicious!
We do sharp cheddar!ill add that to the post
I have a bunch of spaghetti meat sauce frozen. Could I sub that in place of the tomato sauce and meat?
Oh I bet absolutely! Taste might be a bit different depending how you make your sauce but totally could.
What about a vodka sauce sub for tomato sauce? My family is big fans of Rao’s vodka and I always have that on hand. This sounds delicious!!
Oh I’m sure that would be delicious!
Serving size of this dish— approximate?
9 x 13
Kate, could you make this ahead (without freezing)? How many days ahead (left in fridge) would be okay?
You mean just waiting to bake? I wouldn’t wait longer than 2 days, don’t want the noodles to get soggy.
This was tasty, easy, and enjoyed by all members of my family. I will definitely make it again, and next time double for the freezer. We are enjoying many of your recipes!
Oh I am so glad to hear this!
Is it really 2 – 8 oz. Cans of sauce? –
And 1/4 teaspoon & 3/4 teaspoon, not tablespoon?