🌟 Ultimate Cheesy Beef and Pasta Bake: Layers of Comfort 🧀🍝

Cheesy Layered Ground Beef and Pasta Casserole 🧀🍝

Overview:

This Cheesy Layered Ground Beef and Pasta Casserole is a delightful dish that embodies the comforting flavors of lasagna, with a twist! Perfect for those cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends, this recipe promises layers of savory goodness that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients, like adding green bell peppers for a pop of color or a sprinkle of dried chili flakes for an extra kick!

Cooking Times:

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 1462.8
• Total Fat: 86.9g
  • Saturated Fat: 41.7g
• Cholesterol: 370.2mg
• Sodium: 2407.3mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 63.3g
  • Dietary Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 10.7g
• Protein: 104.7g

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

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   • Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Prepare Baking Dish:

   • Grease a large lasagna dish to prevent sticking.

3. Cook Pasta:

   • Cook the pasta until it’s firm-tender, then drain. (Don’t worry if it’s not exactly 4 cups cooked.)
   • Transfer the pasta to a bowl and toss with a couple of tablespoons of oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

4. Prepare Meat Sauce:

   • In a skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, minced garlic, and jalapenos (if using) until the meat is browned and cooked through.
   • Stir in 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper.
   • Cook the sauce until heated through, about 45 minutes on low heat.

5. Layer Casserole:

   • Spread half of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
   • Layer half of the cooked noodles on top of the sauce.
   • Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the noodles.

6. Prepare Cheese Mixture:

   • In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of cottage cheese, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.

7. Layer Cheese Mixture:

   • Spread the cheese mixture over the mozzarella cheese layer.

8. Repeat Layers:

   • Top with the remaining meat sauce, noodles, and remaining mozzarella cheese.
   • Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese on top.

9. Bake Casserole:

   • Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
   • Uncover the casserole and, if desired, sprinkle with grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese.
   • Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

10. Serve and Enjoy!

    • Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
    • Slice into generous portions and serve this delicious Cheesy Layered Ground Beef and Pasta Casserole to your hungry guests!

Tips:

• Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Perfect for busy weeknights!
• Freezing: You can also freeze leftovers for a quick and easy meal later on. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.

Serving Suggestions:

• Pair this hearty casserole with a fresh green salad and some garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top for a burst of freshness and color!

🍽️ Serving Size:

• This recipe yields a generous amount, perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or for leftovers throughout the week!

🍲 Recipe Variations:

• Feel free to customize this casserole to your liking! Add in your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
• For a spicy kick, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos to the meat sauce.
• Experiment with different types of cheeses for varied flavors. Try using provolone, Gouda, or fontina cheese in place of some of the mozzarella or cheddar.

🌟 Enjoy the Layers of Flavor!

Indulge in the creamy, cheesy layers of this delightful Cheesy Layered Ground Beef and Pasta Casserole. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress with its comforting flavors and satisfying textures. So, preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to dig into a delicious meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds! 🧀🍝