Description
This Easy Italian Casserole Recipe is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. Layers of pasta, flavorful meat sauce, and cheese come together in this delicious baked casserole.
Ingredients
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage:
1 pound
Onion (chopped):
1 small
Marinara or Pasta Sauce:
2 cups
Diced Tomatoes (drained):
1 can (14.5 oz)
Italian Seasoning:
1 teaspoon
Uncooked Pasta (penne or rotini):
8 ounces
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese:
1 1/2 cups
Grated Parmesan Cheese:
1/2 cup
Ricotta Cheese (optional):
1/2 cup
Salt and Pepper:
to taste
Fresh Basil or Parsley for garnish (optional):
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- Assemble the Casserole: Combine pasta with meat sauce. Layer half in the baking dish, add ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Top with the remaining pasta mixture and cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- This casserole can be assembled ahead and refrigerated.
- Try adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Ground turkey can be used for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous portion
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
