pasta casserole recipes
This hearty pasta casserole is a delightful combination of noodles, cheese, and savory ground meat, all baked to perfection. It's an ideal dish for family gatherings or potlucks and offers a comforting meal in every bite.
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 skillet
- 1 9x13-inch baking dish
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 spoon or spatula
- 1 aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with herbs)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- for garnish fresh basil or parsley optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or turkey. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce mixture, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well to combine.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with cooked mushrooms, lentils, or your favorite vegetables. This casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Enjoy the leftovers; they taste even better the next day!