Layered Ground Beef Casserole

Discover comfort food at its finest with this irresistible Layered Ground Beef Casserole, a hearty, layered masterpiece perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This recipe combines tender layers of al dente penne pasta, savory ground beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce, and a creamy blend of cottage cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a deliciously cheesy finish. Enhanced with aromatic garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning, each bite bursts with flavor. The casserole is baked to bubbly perfection in under an hour, making it a quick and satisfying option for any occasion. Serve it warm with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Ideal for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this ground beef pasta casserole is both comforting and versatile, sure to become a new family favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound Ground beef
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 cups Tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cups Cottage cheese
• 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cups Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large Egg, lightly beaten
• 8 ounces Penne pasta, uncooked
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook and crumble the beef until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 6

Season the beef mixture with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the tomato sauce and stir to combine. Let simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 7

In a medium bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the beaten egg until well combined.

Step 8

To assemble the casserole, layer half of the cooked penne pasta evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 9

Spread half of the beef and tomato sauce mixture over the pasta.

Step 10

Dollop half of the cheese mixture over the sauce layer and gently spread it out.

Step 11

Repeat the layering process with the remaining pasta, beef mixture, and cheese mixture.

Step 12

Sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the casserole.

Step 13

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Step 14

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 15

Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2139.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3628.4

Total Fat 196.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 80.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.0g
Cholesterol 750.9mg	0%
Sodium 6560.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 249.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.3g	0%
Total Sugars 58.3g
Protein 221.1g	0%

Vitamin D 60.2IU	0%
Calcium 2510.0mg	0%
Iron 14.4mg	0%
Potassium 2208.9mg	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: 48.4%

Protein: 24.3%

Carbs: 27.3%