Cheese Pasta Dish
A hearty cheesy pasta bake combining ground beef, tomato sauce, and creamy sour cream, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and chopped onion; drain excess fat.
- Add tomato sauce, water, and spaghetti sauce mix; cook for 30 minutes.
- Boil shell macaroni until al dente; drain.
- Mix cooked macaroni with the beef and tomato sauce mixture and sour cream.
- Layer the mixture in a baking dish, top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like basil and oregano to the sauce. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef. Additionally, feel free to mix in other cheeses, like cheddar or even a bit of cream cheese, for added creaminess. This dish can be made ahead and frozen for quick meals later.
Serving Suggestions
This cheese pasta dish pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a side of steamed broccoli. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, consider topping each serving with crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Pasta Dish contains roughly 575 calories, with 38g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (177% of the Daily Value), protein (77% of the Daily Value), and calcium (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 720mg per serving (31% 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 use a different type of pasta for this dish?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente before mixing it with the sauce. Shells are great for holding the cheese and sauce, but penne or rotini would also work well.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini for a hearty vegetarian version. Additionally, make sure to use a vegetable-based sauce mix and check that your sour cream is plant-based if needed.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of chili powder into the beef mixture. You can also add a layer of pepper jack cheese on top before baking or serve with a spicy marinara sauce on the side for an extra kick.
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).