Ingredients

2 1/2 lbs ground beef
1 medium onion , chopped
1 -2 jalapeno pepper ( optional )
2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic ( or to taste )
fresh sliced mushrooms , any amount ( or use canned , drained )
1 cup grated parmesan cheese , divided ( or to taste )
3 cans tomato sauce
salt and pepper
2 cups grated mozzarella cheese ( or to taste )
4 cups medium noodles ( use any kind of pasta you desire , 4 cups measured after cooking )
1 cup cottage cheese or 1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups grated mozzarella cheese ( optional or to taste ) or 2 cups cheddar cheese ( optional or to taste )
Cheesy Layered Ground Beef and Pasta Casserole is a classic American casserole that is often served at potlucks, family dinners, and holiday gatherings. This recipe is indulgent and hearty, with layers of cheesy pasta and ground beef in a rich tomato sauce. It is perfect for feeding a crowd, as it can be assembled in advance and baked when ready. The texture of this casserole is creamy and savory, with a satisfying crunch from the baked cheese on top. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Instructions

1.Cook ground beef in a large skillet until browned, stirring occasionally.
2.Add onions, jalapenos, and garlic to the skillet, and cook until onion is softened.
3.Stir in mushrooms and tomato sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes.
4.Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
5.In a separate bowl, combine cottage cheese or ricotta cheese, and sour cream.
6.Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
7.In an 11x9 inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked noodles. Top with half of the cheese mixture, then half of the meat sauce. Repeat layers, ending with meat sauce on top.
8.Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese on top of the casserole.
9.Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

PROS

This recipe is indulgent and hearty, perfect for a cold evening or a family get-together.
It is also customizable; you can add more or less cheese based on your preference, and you can substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken to make it healthier.

CONS

This recipe is high in calories and fat due to the cheese, sour cream, and pasta.
It should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Although this recipe is not particularly healthy, it is an excellent source of protein from the ground beef and cottage cheese. It can also be customized to include more vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach, to increase its nutritional value.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.