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pasta casserole recipes Recipe

Pasta Casserole Recipes

This hearty pasta casserole is a comforting, family-friendly dish featuring tender pasta, a rich tomato-meat sauce, and a layer of gooey, melted cheese. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it's a one-dish meal that can be prepped ahead and reheated for leftovers.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 persons
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

  • 340 grams pasta (penne or ziti)
  • 450 grams lean ground beef or turkey
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped about 150 grams
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 680 grams tomato sauce
  • 400 grams diced tomatoes, drained 14 ounces
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 225 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded 2 cups
  • 60 grams Parmesan cheese, grated 1/2 cup
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • optional fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 large pot
  • 1 9x13-inch baking dish
  • 1 large skillet
  • 2 mixing bowls
  • 1 set measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 grater for cheese
  • 1 colander

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than package directions; it should be just under al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds.
  4. Add ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Break it apart and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat, if any.
  5. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to slightly thicken.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Mix well to coat all pasta.
  7. Spread half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan. Add the rest of the pasta, followed by the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  8. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

To make this dish vegetarian, substitute ground meat with plant-based meat or add extra vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers.
This recipe is easy to double for a crowd or halve for a smaller household.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
For creamier texture, add 1/2 cup ricotta or cottage cheese between the pasta layers.