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This Italian Casserole Recipe is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Imagine layers of ground beef, tomato sauce, and cheese melding together with pasta to create a symphony of flavors. It's simple to make, yet tastes like you've spent hours in the kitchen. Let's dive into this deliciousness!
The name of the recipe: Italian Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, dried basil, and dried oregano. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
What You Will Need
Read more: Italian Squash Casserole Recipe
What you will need to make Italian casserole
- Ground beef: Adds hearty flavor and protein, making the casserole filling and satisfying.
- Chopped onion: Provides a sweet, savory base that enhances the overall flavor.
- Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic depth that complements the other ingredients.
- Tomato sauce: Creates a rich, tangy base that ties all the flavors together.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds texture and a burst of freshness to the sauce.
- Cooked pasta: Provides a comforting, starchy base that absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy topping.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- Dried basil: Infuses the dish with a sweet, herbal note.
- Dried oregano: Adds a robust, earthy flavor that complements the tomato sauce.
Tools and Instruments Needed
What tools/instruments will be needed to make Italian Casserole Recipe
- Large skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and sautéing onions and garlic, creating a flavorful base for the casserole.
- Mixing bowl: Needed to combine cooked pasta with meat sauce, ensuring even distribution of flavors before baking.
- Casserole dish: Used to bake the combined ingredients, allowing the cheese to melt and create a bubbly, golden crust.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring ingredients together without scratching cookware, ensuring even mixing of the sauce and pasta.
- Oven: Necessary for baking the casserole, melting the cheese, and achieving a perfectly cooked dish.
Italian Casserole Recipe
A hearty Italian casserole perfect for family dinners.
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Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 cup Chopped Onion
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 can Tomato Sauce (15 oz)
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 2 cups Cooked Pasta
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 tsp Dried Basil
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- to taste Salt and Pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, dried basil, and dried oregano. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes:
Feel free to add some veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Read more: Italian Cauliflower Casserole Recipe
Nutrition value:
Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg
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Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the casserole as directed but don't bake.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- When ready to bake, preheat oven and bake as directed.
Freezing Instructions
- Assemble the casserole but don't bake.
- Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To bake, thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Preheat oven and bake as directed.
Using diced tomatoes with green chilies can add a subtle kick to the Italian casserole without overpowering the traditional flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
How long does it take to prepare this Italian casserole?
About 45 minutes, including cooking and baking time.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well too.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely, just assemble it and refrigerate until you're ready to bake.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Any short pasta like penne, rotini, or ziti is ideal.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, store them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
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