Description
This cheesy pasta casserole features tender pasta, savory ground meat, and a creamy cheese blend, all baked until bubbly and golden. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) of pasta (elbow macaroni or penne)
- 1 lb (450 g) of ground beef or turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) of diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 oz) of tomato sauce
- 1 cup of sour cream
- 1 cup of cottage cheese
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp of dried oregano
- 1 tsp of dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp of olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally.
- Drain and Rinse: Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Brown the Meat: Add ground beef or turkey, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if using beef.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Mix in the Cheeses: In a bowl, combine sour cream, cottage cheese, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until blended.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked pasta to the meat sauce and mix well.
- Fold in the Cheese Mixture: Gently fold the cheese mixture into the pasta and meat sauce.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Layer the Casserole: Pour half of the pasta mixture into the dish, spread evenly, and sprinkle half of the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Add the Remaining Mixture: Pour the rest of the pasta mixture over the cheese layer, spread evenly, and top with remaining cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover and Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a knife in the center; if it comes out hot, its ready.
- Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for 10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute ground beef with turkey for a lighter option.
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes