pasta casserole recipes
This cheesy pasta casserole is a comforting dish that brings together pasta, ground beef, marinara sauce, and lots of cheese, baked until golden and bubbly. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead.
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 colander
- 1 large skillet
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 9x13-inch baking dish
- 1 aluminum foil
- 1 oven
Ingredients
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 pound ground beef You can replace with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Optional.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and add the Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread half of the meat sauce on the bottom. Spoon half of the pasta mixture over the sauce, followed by another layer of meat sauce, and then the remaining pasta. Top with the rest of the meat sauce and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Finish with the grated Parmesan cheese if using.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
You can replace the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the meat sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.