The Best Casserole Ever
Dive into comfort food heaven with *The Best Casserole Ever*, a crowd-pleasing masterpiece that's perfect for family dinners or potlucks. This hearty recipe features tender pasta baked in a savory meat sauce made from ground beef or turkey, aromatic garlic, diced onions, and herbaceous Italian seasoning. Layered with a trio of gooey cheeses—mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan—every bite is a celebration of rich, cheesy perfection. Ready in under an hour, this casserole is easy to prepare yet utterly satisfying, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of brightness and enjoy leftovers just as much as freshly baked servings. Whether you're craving comforting baked pasta or looking for a creamy, cheesy dinner recipe, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces uncooked pasta (penne or elbow)
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the meat sauce. Mix well until the pasta is evenly coated.
Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, and parmesan cheese on top.
Add the remaining pasta over the cheese layer, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses.
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3932 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 198.1 g | 254% | |
| Saturated Fat | 95.8 g | 479% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 643 mg | 214% | |
| Sodium | 5715 mg | 248% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 325.5 g | 118% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25.2 g | 90% | |
| Total Sugars | 41.1 g | ||
| Protein | 222.2 g | 444% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 3228 mg | 248% | |
| Iron | 21.5 mg | 119% | |
| Potassium | 4112 mg | 87% | |
*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.
