Are you ready to transform an ordinary dinner into a mouth-watering culinary experience? This Layered Casserole with Pasta and Ground Beef is not just a meal—it's a flavor explosion that will have your family begging for seconds! Imagine layers of perfectly cooked pasta, rich marinara sauce, tender ground beef, and a blanket of melted cheeses that create a symphony of taste in every single bite. Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner or a dish that will make you the star of your next potluck, this recipe is your ultimate solution.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add the jar of marinara sauce to the browned ground beef in the skillet. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, start layering the ingredients. Begin with a layer of half of the cooked pasta, spreading it evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Next, spoon half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta, spreading it gently to cover the pasta evenly.
- Then, add half of the meat and marinara sauce mixture on top of the ricotta layer, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat layer, ensuring it covers the sauce well.
- Repeat the layering process by adding the remaining pasta, followed by the rest of the ricotta mixture, the remaining meat and marinara sauce, and finally, the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Top the final layer of mozzarella with the remaining grated Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy crust.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes to set. This will make it easier to serve.
- Cut into squares and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious layered casserole with pasta and ground beef!
Tips
- Use high-quality ground beef with a moderate fat content (80/20) for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Make sure to drain excess fat after cooking the beef to prevent a greasy casserole.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding minced garlic or finely chopped onions when browning the beef.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking to help it set and make cutting easier.
- For a crispy top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Experiment with different cheese blends or add some fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a personalized touch.
- This casserole freezes beautifully—make an extra batch and store for quick future meals!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 95mg
