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Easy Pasta Bake Casserole

A comforting and hearty pasta bake casserole featuring layers of ricotta, mozzarella, and rich marinara sauce, perfect for family gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 oz spirals or penne pasta Whole-grain pasta can be used for extra fiber.
  • 1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, or sausage) Choose high-fat content for richer flavor.
  • 2 cups marinara sauce Homemade can be used for fresher flavor.
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Fresh mozzarella is recommended if available.
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese Rich in protein and calcium.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For golden crispy topping.
Seasonings
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper Adjust to personal preference.
Garnish
  • to taste fresh basil Optional, for garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), igniting your senses with anticipation.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, allowing steam to escape.
Cooking the Meat
  1. In a large skillet, cook the ground meat over medium heat until it’s perfectly browned, letting those delicious juices mingle. Drain off any excess fat.
  2. Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Mixing and Assembling
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
  2. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Top generously with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Baking
  1. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  2. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, before serving.

Notes

Serve directly from the baking dish for a homey vibe. Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.