8 Layer Casserole
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this irresistible 8 Layer Casserole, a crowd-pleasing baked dish that’s as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. Featuring layers of tender ziti pasta, savory meat sauce infused with garlic and Italian seasoning, creamy ricotta blended with spinach, and gooey melted mozzarella, this recipe promises a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. The golden breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crunch, while a sprinkling of Parmesan ties it all together. Ready in just over an hour, this casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, serving up to 8 generous portions. Whether you're a fan of hearty pasta bakes or need a one-dish solution for dinner, this 8 Layer Casserole has all the makings of a new household favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 14 oz diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 12 oz uncooked ziti pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp butter
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors, then remove from heat.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, spinach, fresh parsley, and heavy cream. Stir until well incorporated.
To assemble the casserole, layer these ingredients in the prepared dish: a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom, half of the cooked ziti, half of the ricotta mixture, and 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers, finishing with the remaining meat sauce on top.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the casserole.
Top with breadcrumbs for additional texture.
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4420 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 227.9 g | 292% | |
| Saturated Fat | 117.2 g | 586% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 805 mg | 268% | |
| Sodium | 7123 mg | 310% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 364.8 g | 133% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 29.1 g | 104% | |
| Total Sugars | 38.4 g | ||
| Protein | 242.4 g | 485% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 3627 mg | 279% | |
| Iron | 26.2 mg | 146% | |
| Potassium | 4590 mg | 98% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
