Cheese and Pasta: A Family-Favorite Italian-Inspired Dish
When I think of comfort food, I always think of my mom's Cheese and Pasta (a recipe given to her by my cousin, Carolyn). This recipe has been a staple in my family for as long as I can remember. I’m 51 years old now, and my mom made this meal throughout my childhood. It's become a favorite in my own family too, with my kids requesting it often. This dish, with its Italian-inspired flavors, is reminiscent of classics like lasagna but has its own unique twist. Trust me, if you're reading this blog, you need to give it a try—you won’t regret it!
The Story Behind the Recipe
I recently asked Carolyn how she came up with this delicious dish, and she shared a fun story. She originally found the recipe in a magazine, but it called for shell macaroni and cottage cheese between the layers. However, her daughters refused to eat the "white stuff," so she started experimenting with substitutes until she found a combination that everyone would enjoy. After some trial and error, Carolyn created a version that became a hit in our family—Cheese and Pasta was born!
Our Family Connection
Carolyn is my first cousin—our moms were sisters. My mom and her mom, Aunt Marie, were very close, and because of the age difference between Carolyn and me, she always felt more like an aunt to me than a cousin. Her warmth and kindness have been constants in my life, and her recipes, like this one, have brought our family together around the dinner table for decades
The Original Recipe
Here’s the original recipe from Carolyn that started it all:
Ingredients:
1½ lbs hamburger
1 onion, diced
1 large jar Ragu spaghetti sauce
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
½ tsp oregano
¼ tsp garlic powder
1 can mushrooms
2-3 packages mozzarella cheese
1 package provolone cheese
Lasagna noodles or shell macaroni
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Brown the hamburger and diced onions in a skillet.
Add in the spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes, seasonings, and mushrooms.
Cook the sauce mixture over low heat for 30-45 minutes.
While the sauce is cooking, boil the pasta of your choice.
After the pasta is done, layer the sauce, noodles, and cheese in a baking dish. Repeat the layers.
Bake at 350°F for 45-60 minutes until bubbly and golden.
My Family's Take on It
Over the years, I’ve made a few tweaks to the original recipe, and the great thing is, you really can’t mess it up! My family prefers rotini pasta, but any pasta will work just fine. Sometimes, I skip the mushrooms if I'm short on time or just don’t have any in my pantry, and it still turns out fantastic. And while sour cream adds a heavenly creaminess to the dish, you can easily omit it if you prefer or don’t have any on hand. That’s the beauty of this dish—you can add or omit ingredients based on what you have or what your family likes. I don’t even measure anything anymore! It’s one of those dishes you can make with your eyes closed, and it still comes out perfect every time.
Baking Tips and Variations
Deep Dutch Oven: If you want to take this dish to the next level, try baking it in a deep Dutch oven. When I do this, I make sure to layer the ingredients, which helps the flavors meld together beautifully. If I’m using a shallow pan, I don’t layer it, but the dish still turns out delicious.
Pasta Choices: While the original recipe calls for lasagna noodles or shell macaroni, feel free to experiment with different types like rotini, penne, or fusilli.
Meat Alternatives: Try swapping the hamburger for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
Extra Veggies: Add in bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for a veggie-packed version.
Cheese Options: Mix up the cheeses! Try adding some Parmesan or even a sharp cheddar for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions: Serve this dish with a side of garlic bread, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
A Recipe Passed Down Through Generations
This recipe isn’t just a meal—it’s a piece of my family’s history. To celebrate that, I’ve included photos of the handwritten versions of the recipe from three important people in my life: my cousin Carolyn, my mom, and my best friend growing up, Dana. Each of these versions has its own little tweaks and touches, showing how this dish has been loved and adapted by so many different people.
This is handwritten by my 1st cousin, Carolyn McCown.
This is handwritten by my mom, Frieda Castle. This is the ingredients. (You can tell from the stains, this recipe got made quite often!)
Directions. Handwritten by my mom, Frieda Castle
My childhood/life best friend, Dana Stewart, sent this to me after I posted my video.
Feeds a Crowd and Reheats Even Better
One of the best things about Cheese and Pasta is that it feeds a lot of people. This dish goes a long way, making it perfect for family gatherings or when you have guests over. Plus, it’s one of those meals that tastes even better the next day. The flavors meld together beautifully as it sits, making it a great option for leftovers. You can easily add more of each ingredient to make the amount you need!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheese and Pasta is more than just a meal—it’s a connection to my family’s history and a dish that has been passed down through generations. Whether you're an experienced cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is foolproof. It's incredibly versatile, and the flavors are out of this world. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that somehow tastes even better as leftovers!
So, if you’re looking for a new family favorite, give this Cheese and Pasta dish a try. With its Italian-inspired flavors and comforting ingredients, it’s sure to become a staple in your household too. Don't forget to top it off with some fresh garlic bread—perfection on a plate! (or just use those little brown and serve rolls I showed you in my instruction video)
Thank you so much for taking time to read my blog!
Love, Tracy
Watch me make this wonderful dish in my FB Group-Tracy’s Trendy Decor-NEW ONE, just click here to watch it!
OR you can also watch it on my Youtube Channel- Tracy’s Trendy Decor, just click here!