Family Reunion Casserole
Bring the whole family together with this hearty and comforting Family Reunion Casserole, a crowd-pleaser packed with bold flavors and creamy layers. This baked pasta dish combines tender penne, savory ground beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce, and a luscious blend of cream cheese and sour cream for a velvety texture. Topped with melty mozzarella, nutty Parmesan, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this casserole bakes to golden perfection in just 30 minutes. Perfect for large gatherings or weeknight dinners, it’s easy to assemble and can feed up to eight hungry guests. With simple pantry staples and a comforting aroma, this casserole is bound to become a family favorite!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes (unsalted)
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 16 ounces penne pasta
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Set aside.
To assemble the casserole, spread half of the cooked pasta evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the meat sauce, followed by half of the cream cheese mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
6279 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 369.4 g | 474% | |
| Saturated Fat | 179.3 g | 896% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1147 mg | 382% | |
| Sodium | 6216 mg | 270% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 455.6 g | 166% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 36.5 g | 130% | |
| Total Sugars | 76.4 g | ||
| Protein | 319.4 g | 639% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2935 mg | 226% | |
| Iron | 41.6 mg | 231% | |
| Potassium | 7223 mg | 154% | |
*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.
