Pasta And Cheese In A Pot
A hearty baked pasta dish combining flavorful meats, rich cheeses, and vegetables, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers seeking a satisfying, cheesy casserole.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 lb. sweet Italian sausage ⓘ
- 2 medium white onions ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1 (32 oz.) jar spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 3 oz. sliced mushrooms
- 8 oz. shell macaroni ⓘ
- 1 1/2 pt. sour cream
- 1/2 lb. Provolone cheese sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. Mozzarella cheese sliced ⓘ
- sliced zucchini (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook ground beef and sweet Italian sausage, then drain.
- Add chopped onions, crushed garlic, spaghetti sauce, stewed tomatoes, and sliced mushrooms; simmer for 20 minutes.
- Cook shell macaroni until al dente, then drain.
- Pour half of the cooked shells into a deep casserole dish; cover with half of the sauce.
- Layer sliced zucchini over the sauce (optional).
- Spread half of the sour cream and sliced cheeses over the zucchini.
- Add the remaining shells, sauce, sour cream, and cheeses in layers.
- Cover the casserole and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Remove the lid for the last 5 minutes to let the cheese brown if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider blending the sour cream with a bit of milk before layering it. If you don’t have Provolone, you can use Gouda or even Cheddar for a different flavor profile. For a healthier option, substitute ground turkey for the beef and sausage. This dish is similar to Ziti With Pepperoni, so feel free to experiment with different cheeses or pasta types.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. You might also consider serving it with a glass of red wine for a more elevated dining experience. For a fun twist, serve with a side of Italian recipes like a caprese salad or roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Pasta And Cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings, covered, for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta And Cheese In A Pot contains roughly 629 calories, with 48g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (96% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (77% of the Daily Value), and calcium (73% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. 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 use different types of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the beef and sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or even a meatless option like lentils for a vegetarian version. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly, especially for poultry.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the sauce while it simmers. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of sweet for an extra kick.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and assemble it without baking. Cover the dish tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. When ready to bake, simply add an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking 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).