Pasta In A Pot(Very Good And Easy)
A hearty and creamy pasta casserole with seasoned ground beef, melted cheeses, and rich tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned; add chopped onions and minced garlic, and cook until tender.
- Add spaghetti sauce, undrained mushrooms, and stewed tomatoes to the beef mixture; cook for 5 minutes.
- Layer half of the meat mixture in a baking dish.
- Top with half of the sour cream, grated Provolone, and grated Mozzarella cheeses.
- Repeat layers with remaining meat mixture, sour cream, and cheeses.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes.
- Uncover and bake an additional 20 to 30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like basil and oregano in the meat mixture. To lighten the dish, substitute ground turkey for the beef. You can also use low-fat sour cream or cheese to make it healthier without compromising taste. If you want a kick, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty pasta dish with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine. For a lighter option, consider serving it with steamed vegetables. You might also enjoy it alongside American recipes like Round Steak With Green Peppers for a well-rounded dinner.
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 warmed through. If using the oven, cover with foil to prevent drying out. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta In A Pot(Very Good And Easy) contains roughly 383 calories, with 21g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (42% of the Daily Value) and calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 522mg per serving (23% 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 ahead of time and refrigerate them. Just bake when you're ready to serve. If assembling in advance, add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through properly.
What can I substitute for the cheeses?
If you don't have Provolone or Mozzarella, you can use other cheeses like Cheddar or Monterey Jack. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of meat-based sauces to enhance flavor while keeping it vegetarian.
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).