Introduction
Beef noodle casserole with creamy tomato sauce is a delightful and quick dish. This recipe combines ground beef with pasta, cottage cheese, and mushrooms, resulting in a comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. In just 15 minutes, you can have a heartwarming dish ready to serve, making it an ideal choice for families or anyone seeking a satisfying meal without too much fuss.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Ground beef – 300g
Pasta – 250g
Cottage cheese – 200g
Mushrooms – 150g
Tomato sauce – 200ml
Onion – 1 medium
Garlic – 2 cloves
Salt – to taste
Pepper – to taste
Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
Fresh parsley – for garnish
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
This dish is not only quick to prepare but also delicious, making it a go-to for any situation where you need a meal in a hurry. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting textures in every bite.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
Gather all the necessary ingredients, ensuring they are ready for cooking. This includes ground beef, mushrooms, cottage cheese, pasta, and any seasonings.
Cook the Pasta
Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
Sauté the Mushrooms
In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add chopped mushrooms to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes until they are golden brown and have released their moisture.
Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the mushrooms in the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
Add the Sauce Ingredients
Mix in the cottage cheese and any desired seasonings with the beef and mushrooms. Stir well to combine, allowing the mixture to heat through. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Combine with Pasta
Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
Serve the Dish
Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the dish hot, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs or grated cheese if desired.
Notes
Ingredient Variations
Feel free to experiment with different types of mushrooms or add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for additional flavor and nutrition.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Time-Saving Tips
To reduce prep time, consider using pre-sliced mushrooms or pre-cooked pasta.
Cook techniques
Cooking Pasta
Cooking pasta to the right texture is crucial. Boil water in a large pot, add salt right before adding the pasta to enhance flavor, and ensure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Sautéing Beef
Ground beef should be sautéed in a hot pan until it’s thoroughly cooked and browned. This technique adds depth of flavor and helps achieve a nice, caramelized exterior.
Making Cream Sauces
To create a creamy sauce, combine cottage cheese with other ingredients over gentle heat until warmed through and well mixed. Stir continuously to prevent curdling.
Cooking Mushrooms
Sauté mushrooms in a hot pan with a bit of oil or butter. This method releases their moisture, enhancing the overall flavor and texture of the dish.
Combining Flavors
When mixing all components, do so gently to preserve the texture of the beef and mushrooms while allowing the flavors to marry beautifully.
FAQ
Can I use other types of cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cottage cheese with ricotta or cream cheese for a different texture and flavor.
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli work best as they hold onto the sauce well.
Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach can enhance nutrition and flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and combine them just before serving for the best results.
Conclusion
The beef noodle dish with rose sauce, cottage cheese, and mushrooms is a delightful and quick meal that brings together flavors in a wonderful way. Its simplicity and ease of preparation make it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This recipe highlights the versatility of ingredients within a minimalistic approach, ensuring that anyone can enjoy a delicious homemade dish without spending too much time in the kitchen.
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