Cheese & Pasta in a Pot is a delightful recipe that combines the comforting flavors of pasta, cheese, and savory beef in a single pot, making it a convenient and satisfying meal option for any occasion. With a total preparation and cooking time of just 1 hour and 25 minutes, including 20 minutes of prep time and 1 hour and 5 minutes of cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
To create this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients, including 8 ounces of pasta, 2 pounds of ground beef, 2 onions, 3 garlic cloves, 1 can of stewed tomatoes, 1 cup of sliced mushrooms, 1 cup of sour cream, and 2 cups of mixed cheese. These ingredients come together to form a flavorful and hearty dish that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
To begin, start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking together. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Next, cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s browned and cooked through. Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat and rinse it under hot water to remove any remaining grease. This step helps to reduce the overall fat content of the dish while keeping it flavorful and delicious.
In the same skillet, sauté the diced onions and minced garlic until they’re soft and translucent, adding a fragrant base of flavor to the dish. Then, add in the stewed tomatoes and sliced mushrooms, along with any additional seasonings or spices you prefer. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet and to ensure that the flavors meld together beautifully.
Once the meat sauce is ready, it’s time to assemble the dish. In a large pot or casserole dish, layer the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, sour cream, and shredded cheese, repeating the layers until all of the ingredients are used up. This layering technique helps to ensure that every bite is packed with flavor and creamy goodness.
Finally, cover the pot or casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil and bake the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the cheese to melt and become gooey and delicious. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
With its rich and comforting flavors, Cheese & Pasta in a Pot is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving it up for a cozy family dinner or sharing it with friends at a potluck, this easy-to-make dish is guaranteed to impress. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get cooking today!
