Delicious Pasta and Meat Casserole

This mouthwatering pasta and meat casserole is a delightful dish that combines creamy Philadelphia cheese, cheddar, and sour cream with tender ground meat and aromatic herbs like tarragon and basil. The dish features a rich tomato sauce that perfectly complements the pasta, which is cooked to perfection before being layered with the meat sauce and creamy cheese mixture. After being baked to a golden brown, the casserole is topped with a cheddar crust that adds a delightful crunch. With a preparation time of around an hour, this dish is perfect for a comforting family meal or a hearty dinner party centerpiece. A great make-ahead option, the casserole also benefits from being refrigerated overnight, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve this casserole with a side of fresh green salad tossed in Italian vinaigrette and some garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. The rich flavors and hearty ingredients make it a standout dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Ideal for cold days or when you want to indulge in something truly comforting, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy every bite of this comforting, cheesy delight!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 225 g pasta (any style, avoid very small or large varieties)
• 225 g Philadelphia cheese
• 225 g sour cream
• 50 g grated cheddar cheese
• 6 green onions, finely chopped
• 450 g ground meat
• 150 g finely chopped onions
• 2 large garlic cloves, pressed
• 700 g chopped tomatoes in their juice

Spices and Herbs

• 1/2 tsp tarragon
• 1/2 tsp basil
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1.5 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp dried and chopped onions
• 50 g grated cheddar cheese (for topping)

Preparation Time

60 minutes (includes prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Add ground meat, onions, and garlic, stirring frequently until the meat is browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.

3. Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tarragon, basil, sugar, and chopped onions into the meat. Mix well and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Make the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, blend together Philadelphia cheese, grated cheese, sour cream, and green onions until smooth.

5. Assemble the Casserole: Grease a baking dish with raised sides. Spread the cooked pasta evenly across the bottom.

6. Layer the Ingredients: Spread the cheese mixture over the pasta evenly. Layer the meat sauce on top of the cheese mixture. Sprinkle with an additional 50 g of grated cheddar.

7. Chill the Casserole: Cover the dish with foil or cling film and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight.

8. Prepare for Baking: If refrigerated for two hours, let the casserole sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking. If chilled overnight, allow it to warm up for an hour.

9. Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Bake the casserole for 30-40 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden.

10. Let it Cool: Allow the casserole to cool for about 15 minutes before serving.

11. Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot with a side of green salad and garlic bread (baguette spread with butter mixed with chopped garlic, wrapped in foil and baked with the casserole).

Tips

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the meat sauce.
• For a creamier texture, increase the amount of Philadelphia cheese or sour cream as desired.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 25g
• Fats: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 50g

Variations

• Vegetarian Alternative: Replace ground meat with a plant-based ground or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta varieties.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red wine like Pinot Noir.
• Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for extra flavor and presentation.

Best Places

1. Pastaio Restaurant – Known for its handmade pasta and cozy atmosphere. Location: Soho, London, United Kingdom.
2. Basta Pasta – A Japanese-Italian fusion restaurant offering unique pasta dishes. Location: New York City, USA.
3. Pasta e Basta – Combines live music with great pasta dinners. Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands.
4. La Perla – Authentic Italian flavors in a charming setting. Location: Geneva, Switzerland.
5. Trattoria Coccodrillo – Offers traditional Italian pasta in a rustic setting. Location: Florence, Italy.
6. Café Pasta Milano – A local favorite for fresh pasta and Italian specialties. Location: Milan, Italy.
7. Pasta Fresca – Known for creative pasta dishes and a warm ambiance. Location: Singapore, Singapore.
8. The Pasta Factory – Celebrated for artisanal pasta shapes and fresh ingredients. Location: Manchester, United Kingdom.
9. Pasta Bar – Offers a wide range of pasta dishes in a relaxed setting. Location: Budapest, Hungary.
10. Al Dente Pasta – Features a diverse selection of pasta dishes. Location: Toronto, Canada.