Beef And Cheese Pasta
A hearty beef and cheese pasta bake combining savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheeses, perfect for family dinners and comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- small amount vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, crushed ⓘ
- 1 (14 oz.) jar spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 1 (14 oz.) can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) can sliced broiled mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) box macaroni ⓘ
- 1 1/2 pt. sour cream ⓘ
- 1 (1/2 lb.) pkg. sliced Provolone cheese ⓘ
- 1 (1/2 lb.) pkg. Mozzarella cheese, sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook ground beef in a little oil; drain off fat.
- Add chopped onions, crushed garlic, spaghetti sauce, stewed tomatoes, and sliced mushrooms; mix well.
- Simmer for 20 minutes, or until onions are soft.
- Cook macaroni; drain and rinse with cold water.
- Layer cooked macaroni in a baking dish, then top with the beef sauce.
- Spread sour cream over the sauce.
- Top with sliced Provolone and Mozzarella cheeses.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 45 minutes, covered.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can mix in a bit of cream cheese with the sour cream. If you don't have Provolone or Mozzarella, feel free to substitute with Cheddar or any cheese of your choice. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition. Consider using whole wheat macaroni for a healthier option.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. You could also serve it alongside steamed vegetables or a light soup. For a twist, try serving it with a side of Stuffed Green Peppers With Tomato Sauce for variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef And Cheese Pasta contains roughly 641 calories, with 31g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (67% of the Daily Value), protein (62% of the Daily Value), and calcium (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1156mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef sauce and macaroni ahead of time. Assemble the dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you're looking for a vegetarian alternative, try using lentils or a meat substitute like crumbled tempeh or plant-based meat crumbles.
How do I know when the dish is done baking?
The dish is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are lightly browned. You can also check that it's heated through by inserting a knife in the center; it should come out hot to the touch.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).