What ingredients do I need for oven baked pasta casserole?

You’ll need pasta, ground meat, tomatoes, onions, garlic, mozzarella, and ricotta cheese. Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or spices!

How long do you bake pasta casserole in the oven?

Bake your pasta casserole for about 25-30 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Look for bubbly, melted cheese on top for the perfect finish.

Can I prepare pasta casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble it in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge.

What types of pasta work best for casseroles?

Penne, rotini, and fusilli are great choices because they hold sauces well. Avoid thin pasta like angel hair, as it may become mushy.

How do I make a creamy oven baked pasta casserole?

Add a cup of cream cheese or sour cream to your cheese mixture before baking. This will create a rich, creamy texture that everyone will love.

Oven Baked Pasta Casserole

Name: Oven Baked Pasta Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini work great); 1 pound ground beef or turkey; 1 medium onion (chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 can crushed tomatoes ((15 oz)); 1 can tomato sauce ((15 oz)); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper (to taste); Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish (optional))

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini work great)
1 pound ground beef or turkey
1 medium onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 can crushed tomatoes ((15 oz))
1 can tomato sauce ((15 oz))
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish (optional))

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until the onions are translucent.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta cheese. Mix well to combine.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving. Enjoy your hearty meal!

Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 30

Nutrition

Calories: 450
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 25g