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Pasta Casserole is one of those comforting dishes that brings everyone to the table. It's hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a family dinner or a potluck, this recipe combines marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and ground beef with perfectly cooked pasta. Topped with a generous layer of mozzarella and parmesan, it bakes to bubbly perfection. Let's dive into this easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish!
Pasta Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 12 oz uncooked pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 lb cooked ground beef
- 1 tsp italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the parmesan cheese, ground beef, italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 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: Pasta Ricotta Casserole Recipe
What you will need to make pasta casserole
- Pasta: Provides the base, absorbing flavors and adding texture to the casserole.
- Marinara sauce: Adds rich tomato flavor, moisture, and binds the ingredients together.
- Ricotta cheese: Offers creaminess and a mild, slightly sweet flavor that balances the dish.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, stretchy texture that enhances every bite.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and a crispy topping when baked.
- Ground beef: Provides hearty, savory protein, making the casserole more filling and flavorful.
- Italian seasoning: Blends herbs like oregano and basil, infusing the dish with classic Italian flavors.
Tools and Instruments Needed
What tools/instruments will be needed to make pasta casserole
- Large pot: Needed to cook the pasta until al dente, ensuring it holds up well during baking.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining pasta, sauces, cheeses, and seasonings evenly.
- Baking dish: Used to bake the casserole, allowing it to cook evenly and develop a bubbly, golden top.
- Wooden spoon: Helps mix ingredients thoroughly without damaging the pasta.
- Measuring cups: Ensures accurate portions of sauces, cheeses, and seasonings for balanced flavor.
Pasta Casserole Recipe
A hearty and delicious pasta casserole perfect for family dinners.
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Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz Pasta uncooked
- 2 cups Marinara Sauce
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 lb Ground Beef cooked
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions:
- 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, ground beef, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- 4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- 5. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 6. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes:
This pasta casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated. Just bake it when you're ready to eat.
Read more: Kielbasa and Pasta Casserole Recipe
Nutrition value:
Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg
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Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the casserole as directed but don't bake.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
- Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Freezing Instructions
- Assemble the casserole without baking.
- Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes until bubbly.
Using ricotta cheese in a pasta casserole not only adds creaminess but also helps balance the acidity of the marinara sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
How long does it take to prepare this pasta casserole?
About 45 minutes, including baking time.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to substitute with your favorite cheeses.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely, just omit the ground beef or replace it with a meat substitute.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or ziti works well.
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