Cheesy Layered Ground Beef and Pasta Casserole

4.50 (12)
⏱ 55 mins 🍽 4-6 serving(s) 🌶 italian 🏷 Meat

This satisfying casserole offers a simpler take on lasagna, featuring seasoned ground beef layered with pasta and a trio of cheeses. The combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and a creamy cottage cheese mixture creates a rich, comforting bake. It's a versatile dish where you can add optional ingredients like jalapeños or mushrooms. Ready to serve a crowd in about 55 minutes, it's an ideal choice for a straightforward yet flavourful dinner.

Cheesy Layered Ground Beef and Pasta Casserole

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 -2 jalapeno pepper (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic (or to taste)
  • fresh sliced mushrooms, any amount (or use canned, drained)
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided (or to taste)
  • 3 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
  • salt and pepper
  • 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese (or to taste)
  • 4 cups medium noodles (use any kind of pasta you desire, 4 cups measured after cooking)
  • 1 cup cottage cheese or 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese (optional or to taste) or 2 cups cheddar cheese (optional or to taste)

Method

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Lightly grease a large lasagna dish.
  3. Cook the pasta until it is firm-tender, then drain it. Place the drained pasta in a bowl and toss it with a couple of tablespoons of oil to prevent sticking. Set this aside.
  4. In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion, optional jalapeños, mushrooms, and minced garlic. Once the meat is cooked, stir in 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese, the tomato sauce, and salt and pepper. Heat the mixture through.
  5. Spread half of the prepared meat sauce over the base of the greased dish.
  6. Layer half of the cooked noodles on top of the sauce.
  7. Sprinkle 1 cup of the grated mozzarella cheese over the noodles.
  8. In a separate bowl, combine the cottage cheese with the sour cream and the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.
  9. Spread this creamy cheese mixture over the layer of mozzarella.
  10. Top with the rest of the meat sauce, followed by the remaining noodles and the final cup of mozzarella cheese.
  11. Finish by sprinkling the last 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top.
  12. Cover the dish and bake for 20 minutes. Then, uncover it. If you wish, you can add extra grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese at this stage.
  13. Return the uncovered casserole to the oven for a further 10-15 minutes, until it is hot and bubbly.

Nutrition (per serving)

Sodium2407300 mg

Recipe details

CategoryMeat
Cuisineitalian
AuthorKittencalrecipezazz