Cheesy Rotini
A cheesy, hearty rotini casserole with ground beef, vegetables, and rich cheese flavors, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare rotini according to package instructions and drain.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef, chopped green pepper, and chopped onion over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Add broken-up tomatoes, beef flavored instant bouillon, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in milk, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese, and cooked rotini.
- Pour the mixture into a 2 1/2-quart baking dish.
- Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Cover and bake in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more milk or using half-and-half instead. If you don't have Ricotta cheese, cottage cheese can be a good substitute. Feel free to swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor profile, making it more exciting, just like in Beef Stew With Cheddar Dumplings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cheesy Rotini as a comforting main dish, perhaps with a crisp green salad or garlic bread on the side. It pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, for a burst of freshness. This dish is also fantastic for meal prep, just like Crunchy Topped Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or oven until heated through, adding a splash of milk if it appears dry. For best results, cover with foil while reheating in the oven to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Rotini contains roughly 628 calories, with 26g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (67% of the Daily Value), protein (52% of the Daily Value), and calcium (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. 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 recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding the cheesy sauce, you can substitute with penne, fusilli, or even macaroni. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose, ensuring it's cooked al dente before mixing it in.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and adding in more vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You could also use plant-based ground beef alternatives for added protein.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be assembled ahead of time. Prepare it up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
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).