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Pasta Casserole

This Pasta Casserole is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, offering a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for the whole family.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  • Step 1: Cook the Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your choice of penne or rotini. Cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, drain and set aside.
  • Step 2: Brown the Meat – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until translucent, add minced garlic, then ground beef or turkey. Cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
  • Step 3: Prepare the Sauce – Stir in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes with their juices. Add Italian seasoning, adjust salt and pepper, then simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Step 4: Layer the Casserole – In a large casserole dish, combine cooked pasta with meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella. Layer the remaining pasta and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
  • Step 5: Bake to Perfection – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover casserole with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions: Use any ground meat, substitute ricotta with cottage cheese, or add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers.
Storage: Allow casserole to cool before storing in an airtight container. Keeps for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing: Freeze before baking, wrapped tightly. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg