Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs Ground Beef (85/15 or 90/10 lean)
- 1 large Yellow Onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 16 oz Rotini or Penne pasta
- 2 jars (24 oz each) Marinara or Pasta Sauce
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- 1 tsp Dried Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Salt and 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 3 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Beef. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking immediately. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, but stop 2 minutes early so it remains “al dente.” Drain and set aside. While the water boils, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and cook until the beef is no longer pink. Drain the excess grease. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Create the Sauce and Creamy Filling. Pour both jars of marinara sauce into the skillet with the beef. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer on low for 5 minutes. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. This creamy mixture will act as a delicious middle layer that keeps the casserole moist.
- Step 3: Assemble the Casserole. Grease a large 9×13 inch baking dish (or two smaller dishes). Spread half of the cooked pasta on the bottom. Top with half of the meat sauce. Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the sauce and spread it gently. Add the remaining pasta and the rest of the meat sauce. Finally, sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheese generously over the top until the entire surface is covered.
- Step 4: Bake and Serve. If baking immediately, place the dish in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. If you made this ahead of time, cover the dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure the center is hot. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes