Description
A comforting cheesy baked pasta casserole loaded with tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and layers of melted cheese—perfect for family dinners and meal prep.
Ingredients
- 300g pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 400g ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in marinara sauce and add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta cheese.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with chicken or turkey.
- Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Use a mix of cheeses for deeper flavor.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian