Meaty Pasta Casserole
Dive into comfort food heaven with this hearty Meaty Pasta Casserole, a layered masterpiece that combines tender penne pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a savory blend of ground beef and Italian sausage. Infused with aromatic garlic, sautéed onions, and classic Italian spices like basil and oregano, this casserole is baked to perfection under a gooey, golden layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd, this dish is quick to assemble with just 15 minutes of prep and offers an irresistible balance of cheesy, meaty indulgence. Ideal for weeknights or special gatherings, this family-friendly pasta bake is sure to satisfy cravings while leaving your kitchen smelling divine. Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra pop of flavor and color!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 0.5 lb Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions, until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Allow the sauce to simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors.
In the greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta. Spread half of the meat sauce over the pasta, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Repeat the layering process with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Finish by sprinkling the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4287 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 234.3 g | 300% | |
| Saturated Fat | 96.0 g | 480% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 694 mg | 231% | |
| Sodium | 6663 mg | 290% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 322.6 g | 117% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 26.5 g | 95% | |
| Total Sugars | 35.7 g | ||
| Protein | 234.4 g | 469% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2343 mg | 180% | |
| Iron | 30.1 mg | 167% | |
| Potassium | 4495 mg | 96% | |
*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.
