Cheesy Italian Pasta Casserole
This Cheesy Italian Pasta Casserole is a delightful and hearty dish perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. With a rich blend of ground beef, tender pasta, and a medley of cheeses, this recipe combines the comforting flavors of Italy in one easy-to-make casserole. Just pop it in the oven and let it bake to bubbly perfection. Enjoy leftovers for lunch or serve it at your next potluck; it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Beef
1 lb (Browned and drained)
Penne or Rotini Pasta
3 cups (Cooked and drained)
Spaghetti Sauce
26 ounces (Jarred)
Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/3 cup (Divided)
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1 1/2 cups (For topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain the excess fat.
3
In the same skillet, combine the cooked pasta, spaghetti sauce, and half of the grated parmesan cheese. Stir until well mixed.
4
Transfer the pasta mixture into a 13x9 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by the remaining parmesan cheese.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to let it set.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Italian Pasta Casserole?
It is a hearty dish combining ground beef, tender pasta, and a blend of cheeses baked together into a comforting one-dish meal.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What type of pasta is best for this casserole?
Penne or Rotini pasta are recommended for their ability to hold the sauce and cheese.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What size baking dish is required for this recipe?
You should use a 13x9 inch baking dish.
Does the pasta need to be cooked before baking?
Yes, the 3 cups of pasta should be cooked and drained before being added to the casserole mixture.
How much ground beef is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of ground beef.
How much mozzarella cheese is used for the topping?
Use 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese for the topping.
How is the parmesan cheese used in the recipe?
A total of 1/3 cup of grated parmesan cheese is used, with half mixed into the pasta and the other half sprinkled on top.
Can I use different types of spaghetti sauce?
Yes, any 26-ounce jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce will work for this recipe.
What is the first step in preparing the beef?
The first step is to brown the ground beef in a large skillet and drain the excess fat.
Why should I let the casserole cool before serving?
Allowing it to cool for a few minutes helps the casserole set, making it easier to serve.
Is this recipe suitable for a potluck?
Yes, it is described as a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and is ideal for potlucks or family gatherings.
Can I substitute the ground beef with another meat?
While the recipe calls for beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey or Italian sausage if preferred.
How many main ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: ground beef, pasta, spaghetti sauce, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
What meal category does this dish fall under?
This recipe is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
Are there any vegetables in this specific recipe?
The base recipe does not list vegetables, but you can add mushrooms or peppers to the meat mixture if desired.
How should leftovers be stored?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and are great for lunch the next day.
Is this a spicy dish?
The spice level depends on the variety of spaghetti sauce you choose to use.
Can this casserole be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking or freeze leftovers in individual portions.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The tags include pasta casserole, italian cuisine, family dinner, and comfort food.
How do I know when the casserole is finished cooking?
The casserole is done when the cheese on top is fully melted and starting to bubble.
Do I need to cover the dish with foil while baking?
The instructions do not specify covering the dish, as baking uncovered allows the cheese to become bubbly.
Can I use a different cheese besides mozzarella?
Yes, provolone or a mild white cheddar can be used as alternatives to mozzarella.
Is this recipe considered an easy meal?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is suitable for busy weeknight dinners.
Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Yes, whole wheat penne or rotini can be used as a healthier substitute for regular pasta.
What should I serve as a side with this casserole?
It pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.
Does this recipe contain any sugar?
The recipe data does not specify sugar content, though some may be present in the jarred spaghetti sauce.
Is the beef drained before mixing?
Yes, it is important to drain the excess fat after browning the beef to prevent the casserole from becoming too greasy.