Cheese And Pasta In A Pot
A hearty one-pot pasta bake featuring savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and melting cheeses. This comforting dish combines bold flavors and creamy textures, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Easy to prepare, it offers a satisfying, cheesy pasta experience everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook ground beef in a small amount of oil in a large deep skillet until browned.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Add chopped onions, crushed garlic, spaghetti sauce, stewed tomatoes (undrained), and sliced mushrooms; mix well.
- Simmer the mixture for 20 minutes.
- Cook macaroni according to package directions, then drain and rinse in cold water.
- Pour half of the cooked macaroni into a deep casserole dish.
- Layer with half of the tomato-meat mixture and half of the sour cream.
- Top with slices of Provolone cheese.
- Repeat layering with remaining macaroni, tomato-meat mixture, sour cream, and finish with Mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes.
- Remove the cover and bake until the cheese melts and browns.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider mixing in some cream cheese or using a different type of cheese like cheddar. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you're short on time, using store-bought pasta sauce can save you prep time, just like in other American recipes. Adding a pinch of Italian seasoning can enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with a light side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You might also enjoy it alongside steamed vegetables for added nutrition. For an extra twist, serve with a dollop of your favorite hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. It's a great choice for family gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover it to retain moisture, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated thoroughly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese And Pasta In A Pot contains roughly 641 calories, with 29g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (67% of the Daily Value), protein (58% of the Daily Value), and calcium (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 927mg per serving (40% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the layers in advance and refrigerate them before baking. Just be sure to cover the dish tightly with foil. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time for a cold casserole.
What can I use instead of shell macaroni?
If you don't have shell macaroni on hand, you can easily substitute it with any short pasta like penne or fusilli. Just ensure that the pasta is cooked al dente to hold up well in the casserole.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and replace it with a mix of sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach. You can also add some cooked lentils for protein, maintaining the hearty texture of the dish.
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).