There’s something undeniably comforting about a bubbling casserole fresh out of the oven. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking to meal prep for the week, casseroles make for the perfect one-dish wonder. And what better way to combine hearty flavors and irresistible cheesy goodness than with a casserole featuring pasta as the star ingredient? Our Casserole With Pasta is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. With a rich tomato sauce, layers of tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a generous helping of melted cheese, this dish is the ultimate in cozy home cooking. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to dig into a dish that will surely become a family favorite.
Casserole With Pasta
Ingredients:
– 1 pound of ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon of dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pound of pasta (such as penne or fusilli), cooked al dente
– 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef and cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. In the prepared baking dish, spread half of the cooked pasta in an even layer.
6. Spoon half of the meat sauce over the pasta and spread it out evenly.
7. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the meat sauce.
8. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, and cheeses.
9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Once done, let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving.
12. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot, with a side of garlic bread or a simple garden salad.
This Casserole With Pasta is the epitome of comfort food, combining classic Italian flavors in a convenient casserole form. The layers of pasta, meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese meld together to create a dish that is both satisfying and delicious. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends. So, the next time you’re craving a hearty meal that will warm your soul, give this recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you!
