There is nothing easier to throw together after a long day
than a casserole, and the League of Women Voters of Illinois knew this back in
1971 when they published this chic little “Hasty Lady” Cookbook. Filled with
quick and tasty recipes, it also gives helpful tips, such as this gem: “No time-saving device beats a well-trained
12-year-old”. SOLD!
Lots of yummy-looking recipes in here, but good LORD, there
is a recipe for a casserole specifically For Children, made with BEER? I know,
I know, the alcohol is cooked out… it just seems so funny! I do cook with booze
all the time, and who doesn’t love a casserole?
Even though the “cheese mixture” had me a liiiiiittle grossed out, I
decided to give it a try.
Turns out, sure – it’s easy to whip up, and fairly tasty. It
wasn’t my own child’s favorite, though, because I think, even at eight, she
prefers champagne.
Children’s Favorite Casserole
1 lb. ground beef
1 Tbsp oil
2 8 oz. cans tomato sauce
1 6 oz. can tomato
paste
1 cup beer
1 tsp salt
½ tsp Tabasco
½ tsp. oregano
1 cup cottage cheese
8 oz. cream cheese
½ cup sour cream
1 green pepper, chopped
8 oz. broad noodles, cooked and drained
Brown beef in hot oil. Add tomato sauce and paste, beer,
salt, Tabasco , and oregano. Cook 10 minutes and remove from heat.
Mix cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and green
pepper in a separate bowl.
Spread half the noodles over bottom of a greased 2 quart
casserole or lasagna dish. Cover with cheese mixture, then with remaining
noodles. Pour beef sauce over top.
Bake at 350 for 35 minutes.
Serves 4 heartily.
Easy to double recipe. Can be made night before of frozen before baking.
