Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole Recipe
**Oven-Baked Pasta Casserole Recipe: A Comforting Classic**
Few dishes evoke the warmth and comfort of home quite like an oven-baked pasta casserole. This versatile, hearty meal is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prepping for the week. With layers of pasta, rich sauce, melted cheese, and a variety of customizable ingredients, it’s no wonder baked pasta casseroles have become a staple in kitchens around the world.
In this article, we’ll walk you through a basic yet delicious oven-baked pasta casserole recipe, along with tips for customization to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
—
### **Ingredients:**
#### **For the Pasta:**
– 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, ziti, or rotini work well)
– Salt (for boiling water)
#### **For the Sauce:**
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 lb (450g) ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage (optional)
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
#### **For the Cheese Layer:**
– 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese for a lighter option)
– 1 egg
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
#### **Optional Add-ins:**
– 1 cup sliced mushrooms
– 1 cup spinach or kale (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)
– 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
– 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
– 1/2 cup zucchini, diced
—
### **Instructions:**
#### **1. Preheat the Oven:**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light coating of olive oil.
#### **2. Cook the Pasta:**
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain and set aside.
#### **3. Prepare the Sauce:**
– In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
– Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
– If using ground meat, add it to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
– Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add sugar if desired to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
– Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you’re adding vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini, sauté them in the sauce during this step.
#### **4. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:**
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella. Mix until well combined. This will create a creamy, cheesy layer for your casserole.
#### **5. Assemble the Casserole:**
– Spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
– Add half of the cooked pasta in an even layer.
– Spoon half of the remaining sauce over the pasta.
– Dollop the ricotta mixture on top of the sauce and spread it out as evenly as possible.
– Add the remaining pasta on top of the ricotta layer.
– Pour the rest of the sauce over the pasta, ensuring everything is well coated.
– Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
#### **6. Bake the Casserole:**
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden.
#### **7. Serve:**
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
—
### **Tips for Customizing Your Baked Pasta Casserole:**
One of the best things about a baked pasta casserole is its flexibility. Here are some ideas for making it your own:
#### **1. Protein Variations:**
– **Vegetarian:** Skip the