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Cozy Pasta Casserole

A quick and easy pasta casserole filled with ground beef or turkey, marinara sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, perfect for family dinners and potlucks.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Meat
  • 12 oz 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
  • 1 lb 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic gives it that extra flavor boost.
Sauce and Toppings
  • 24 oz 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 2 cups 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Italian seasoning (optional)
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
  3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey with the diced onion and minced garlic over medium heat. Stir often until the onion softens.
Sauce and Mixing
  1. Stir in the marinara sauce and let simmer for a few minutes, then season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if desired.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
Assembly and Baking
  1. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
  2. Top with the remaining mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese.
  3. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges turn lightly golden.
  4. Garnish with fresh basil if desired before serving.

Notes

Time-saver: Brown the meat while the pasta water comes to a boil. For a flavor twist, stir in a handful of chopped spinach or roasted red peppers.