Pasta casserole

Pasta casserole is a comforting and versatile dish that's great for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping. Here’s a basic recipe for a Cheesy Pasta Casserole that you can customize with your favorite ingredients:

Cheesy Pasta Casserole

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (such as penne, rotini, or macaroni)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef, chicken, or sausage (or use a mix of vegetables for a vegetarian option)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup marinara sauce or tomato sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup frozen peas or cooked vegetables (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Meat:

   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the ground meat and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
   • Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

3. Combine Ingredients:

   • Stir in the marinara sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes. If using, add the frozen peas or cooked vegetables.

4. Mix with Pasta and Cheese:

   • In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce mixture.
   • Stir in the ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese.

5. Assemble the Casserole:

   • Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
   • Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

6. Bake:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.

7. Serve:

   • Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
   • Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

This pasta casserole is hearty and cheesy, and you can easily adapt it by adding other ingredients like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives. Enjoy!