Casserole for Company
Perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners, "Casserole for Company" is the ultimate comfort food recipe that’s both simple and crowd-pleasing. This hearty baked dish combines tender pasta, a rich and savory tomato-based sauce infused with garlic, onion, and Italian herbs, and layers of gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just an hour, it’s ideal for serving a hungry group of six with its golden, bubbly top and irresistible flavors. Whether you’re hosting friends or feeding family, this casserole is the perfect make-ahead option that can be garnished with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish. Keywords: casserole recipe, comfort food, baked pasta, easy dinner ideas, cheesy casserole.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion
- 3 cloves garlic cloves
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 12 ounces cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Dice the onion and mince the garlic, then add them to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef and tomato sauce mixture. Stir to coat the pasta evenly.
Transfer half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the layer.
Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2944 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 160.8 g | 206% | |
| Saturated Fat | 71.3 g | 356% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 522 mg | 174% | |
| Sodium | 5055 mg | 220% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 202.0 g | 73% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 26.7 g | 95% | |
| Total Sugars | 53.8 g | ||
| Protein | 185.3 g | 371% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2397 mg | 184% | |
| Iron | 22.8 mg | 127% | |
| Potassium | 4997 mg | 106% | |
*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.
