Company’s Coming Pasta Casserole for a Crowd π
Welcome to lovewithrecipes.com, where we’re thrilled to share with you this delicious recipe for Company’s Coming Pasta Casserole for a Crowd! Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion where you need to feed a hungry group, this hearty and flavorful dish is sure to impress. With its savory blend of pasta, ground beef, and cheesy goodness, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!
Overview:
- Preparation Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Servings: 25
- Cuisine: Canadian
- Difficulty: Easy
- Meal Type: Dinner, Potluck
- Dietary: Kid-Friendly, Vegetarian (with modifications)
- Method: Oven-baked
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Shell macaroni |
| 4 | Lean ground beef |
| 4 | Onions |
| 1 | Garlic powder |
| 1 | Can of stewed tomatoes |
| 1 | Can of mushroom pieces |
| 2 | Cups of sour cream |
| 4 | Cups of medium cheddar |
| 1 | Cup of mozzarella cheese |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 409.3
- Fat: 26.2g
- Saturated Fat: 14.1g
- Cholesterol: 96.8mg
- Sodium: 533.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 16.3g
- Fiber: 1.3g
- Sugar: 6.1g
- Protein: 27.1g
Instructions:
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Cook the Macaroni: Begin by cooking the shell macaroni according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain well and set aside.
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking later on.
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Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large frying pan, brown the lean ground beef until cooked through. If necessary, do this in batches to ensure proper browning. Once cooked, transfer the ground beef to a very large pot.
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Add Flavorful Ingredients: To the pot with the cooked ground beef, add in the raw onions, garlic powder, stewed tomatoes, mushroom pieces (including their liquid), and spaghetti sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
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Simmer to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes or until the onions are tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
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Layering the Casserole: In a large-sized roaster or baking dish, begin assembling the casserole. Start by spreading half of the cooked macaroni evenly across the bottom. Next, layer on half of the prepared meat sauce, followed by half of the sour cream and half of the sliced cheddar cheese.
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Repeat the Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining macaroni, meat sauce, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. For the final touch, top the casserole with all of the mozzarella cheese, ensuring every inch is covered with cheesy goodness.
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Bake to Perfection: Cover the roasting pan or baking dish with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Let it bake for approximately 75 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling with melted cheese.
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Finishing Touches: Once the baking time is up, remove the cover from the roasting pan. If the cheese hasn’t completely melted to your liking, you can let the casserole bake for a few more minutes, uncovered, until it reaches the perfect gooey consistency.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Scoop out generous portions onto plates or into bowls, and watch as your guests dig in with delight!
This Company’s Coming Pasta Casserole for a Crowd is not only incredibly delicious but also easy to make, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or large gatherings. With its comforting flavors and cheesy goodness, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy sharing this dish with family and friends, and savor the smiles it brings to every table!
