Savory Cheesy Pasta Bake
This Savory Cheesy Pasta Bake is a delightful twist on traditional lasagna, offering all the comforting flavors with far less effort. This dish combines tender pasta shells with a rich and hearty beef filling, layers of creamy cottage cheese, and gooey mozzarella for an irresistible cheesy experience. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings, this recipe serves a crowd and freezes beautifully for later. Make the most of your family dinners with a dish that kids and adults alike will absolutely devour!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (uncooked)
onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
salt
1/2 teaspoon
pepper
1/2 teaspoon
pasta shells
1 (16 ounce) package (cooked)
mozzarella cheese
6 cups
cottage cheese
24 ounces
eggs
2
Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup
parsley
2 tablespoons
spaghetti sauce
3 (28 ounce) jars
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onion is tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta shells, 3 cups of mozzarella cheese, cottage cheese, eggs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Stir gently until well mixed.
4
Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 13x9x2-inch baking dish or a shallow 3-quart baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5
Layer the beef mixture evenly over the pasta. Pour the spaghetti sauce over the top, ensuring it covers the entire dish. The dish will be very full.
6
If freezing, tightly cover the dish with foil and seal any extra cheese in a separate package attached to the dishes.
7
To serve, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator for a full day before baking.
8
Cover the thawed casserole with fresh foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
9
Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 3 cups of mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10
Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Savory Cheesy Pasta Bake?
It is a hearty dish that combines pasta shells with beef, cottage cheese, and mozzarella, acting as a simpler alternative to traditional lasagna.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses one 16-ounce package of pasta shells, which must be cooked before assembly.
How much ground beef is required?
You will need 1 pound of ground beef for the meat layer.
Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?
While mozzarella is recommended for its melting properties, you can experiment with other similar cheeses, though the flavor may change.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long does it take to cook the beef and onion?
The ground beef and chopped onion should be cooked for about 5 to 7 minutes until the meat is browned.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, this dish is specifically designed to be a freezer meal that can be prepared in advance.
How should I package the dish for freezing?
Cover the dish tightly with foil and keep any extra cheese for the topping in a separate sealed package.
How do I thaw the frozen pasta bake?
Thaw the casserole in the refrigerator for a full day before you plan to bake it.
What is the total baking time?
The total baking time is 60 minutes, consisting of 45 minutes covered and 15 minutes uncovered.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the dish with fresh foil for the first 45 minutes of the baking process.
What size baking dish is required?
You should use a 13x9x2-inch baking dish or a shallow 3-quart baking dish.
Can I substitute the cottage cheese?
Ricotta cheese is a common substitute for cottage cheese if you prefer a different texture.
What ingredients go into the pasta mixture?
The mixture consists of cooked shells, 3 cups of mozzarella, cottage cheese, eggs, Parmesan, parsley, and pepper.
How many jars of spaghetti sauce are needed?
This recipe requires three 28-ounce jars of spaghetti sauce.
Does the pasta need to be pre-cooked?
Yes, ensure the pasta shells are cooked according to package directions before mixing them with the other ingredients.
Can I add extra vegetables to this bake?
Yes, you can easily add more vegetables to the beef and onion mixture while it is browning in the skillet.
Is this dish suitable for kids?
Yes, it is tagged as kid-friendly due to its familiar and comforting cheesy pasta flavors.
Should the dish rest after baking?
Allow the pasta bake to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving to help it hold its shape.
Why is this considered a lasagna alternative?
It provides the same flavors of meat, sauce, and cheese as lasagna but with much less effort and easier assembly.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner substitute for ground beef in this recipe.
What is the purpose of the eggs in the recipe?
The eggs act as a binder to help hold the cheese and pasta mixture together.
How much mozzarella cheese is used in total?
The recipe uses a total of 6 cups of mozzarella cheese, split between the mixture and the topping.
When do I add the final layer of cheese?
Sprinkle the final 3 cups of mozzarella over the top after the initial 45 minutes of baking.
Is Parmesan cheese included in the recipe?
Yes, 1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese is mixed into the pasta and cheese layer.
What seasonings are used for the filling?
The dish is seasoned with salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of parsley.
How much cottage cheese is required?
You will need 24 ounces of cottage cheese for this recipe.
Does this recipe serve a large group?
Yes, it is designed for family gatherings and serves a crowd.
What type of onion should I use?
Any standard cooking onion like yellow or white onion works well when finely chopped.
How do I prevent the dish from drying out?
Using three full jars of spaghetti sauce and keeping the dish covered for most of the baking time ensures it stays moist.