Here’s a classic baked pasta casserole that’s easy, cozy, and customizable 🍝🧀
Perfect for family dinners or leftovers.
Baked Pasta Casserole
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, ziti, or rotini)
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- 1/2 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 egg (optional, for firmness)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the pasta
- Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce
- Heat olive oil in a skillet.
- Brown meat if using; season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in marinara, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Simmer 5 minutes.
- Mix the cheese layer
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg (if using), half the mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Assemble the casserole
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of sauce in a greased baking dish.
- Add half the pasta, then half the cheese mixture.
- Add remaining pasta and sauce.
- Top with remaining mozzarella.
- Bake
- Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes.
- Uncover and bake 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Rest & serve
- Let sit 10 minutes before slicing.
Easy Variations
- Vegetarian: add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini
- Creamy: mix a little heavy cream or Alfredo sauce into marinara
- Spicy: add red pepper flakes or spicy sausage
- Extra cheesy: add provolone or fontina
Make-Ahead & Storage
- Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready
- Freezes well (unbaked or baked)
If you want, I can give you:
- a chicken baked pasta
- a white sauce (Alfredo) casserole
- or a one-pan no-boil version
Just say which one 😊
