Mess-Ghetti
Mess-Ghetti is a hearty, cheesy baked pasta dish with savory beef, vegetables, and rich tomato sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then drain the excess grease.
- Add chopped bell pepper and onion to the beef and cook until tender.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, cream of mushroom soup, water, salt, pepper, and sliced mushrooms into the meat mixture.
- Let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, boil the egg noodles until al dente and drain.
- Mix the cooked egg noodles with the meat mixture.
- Pour the combined mixture into a large baking dish or pan.
- Top generously with cheese.
- Cover the dish and bake at 300°F for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked ground beef or substitute with turkey for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, swap the meat for lentils or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of water. This recipe pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mess-Ghetti hot, garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. This hearty dish goes well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. For a comforting meal, consider pairing it with toasted garlic bread or a side of Touchdown Beans for a complete dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a covered baking dish at 350°F for about 20 minutes, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mess-Ghetti contains roughly 236 calories, with 9g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (166% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1267mg per serving (55% 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 Mess-Ghetti ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Mess-Ghetti ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe instructions up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of egg noodles?
If you prefer a different type of pasta, you can substitute egg noodles with penne, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta. Adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type to ensure it's cooked al dente before mixing it with the sauce.
Is it possible to freeze this dish?
Absolutely! Mess-Ghetti can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through, or reheat directly from frozen, adding extra time.
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).