Company's Coming Pasta Casserole for a Crowd

Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd, "Company's Coming Pasta Casserole for a Crowd" is a hearty and comforting dish that's sure to impress. This easy-to-make baked pasta recipe features tender penne coated in a rich, savory meat sauce made from ground beef, crushed tomatoes, garlic, and a blend of Italian seasonings. Layered with oodles of gooey mozzarella and a topping of nutty Parmesan, this casserole bakes to golden, bubbly perfection in under an hour. Ideal for potlucks, family dinners, or entertaining guests, this no-fuss recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, and its generous serving size makes it perfect for gatherings. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness, and serve this cheesy crowd-pleaser straight from the oven for an unforgettable meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2 pounds penne pasta
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 large onion, finely chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 56 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 12 ounces tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large casserole dish and set aside.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

Step 5

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease, if necessary.

Step 6

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and meat sauce. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 8

Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the layer.

Step 9

Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by another 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer.

Step 10

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Step 11

Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 12

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(4710.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	8030.3

Total Fat 331.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 141.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 1034.1mg	0%
Sodium 9860.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 871.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 76.6g	0%
Total Sugars 121.9g
Protein 429.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 4842.4mg	0%
Iron 80.1mg	0%
Potassium 12117.2mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 36.4%

Protein: 21.0%

Carbs: 42.6%