Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz Penne, Rotini, or Ziti pasta
- 1 lb Lean ground beef (hamburger) or cooked shredded chicken breast
- 24 oz Marinara sauce or creamy Alfredo sauce
- 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small Onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a light coating of olive oil. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than the package directions suggest for “al dente.” The pasta will finish cooking in the oven, so keeping it firm now prevents a mushy casserole later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef (hamburger) with the diced onions. If you are using chicken, sauté the onions first and then add your pre-cooked shredded chicken to the pan. Cook until the onions are translucent and the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 60 seconds until fragrant.
- In the same large skillet (or a large mixing bowl if your skillet is small), combine the cooked pasta, the meat mixture, and your choice of sauce. Stir in half of the Mozzarella and Cheddar cheeses. Ensure every piece of pasta is well-coated in the sauce and cheese. This ensures that the Pasta Casseroles Hamburger Cheesy Baked Easy Feed Crowd Make Ahead One Dish Chicken Beef is moist and flavorful in every bite.
- Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. Top the casserole with the remaining Mozzarella, Cheddar, and Parmesan cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. If you are making this ahead of time, this is the point where you would place it in the refrigerator. Otherwise, bake for 20 minutes covered. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period allows the sauce to thicken slightly, making it easier to scoop and serve. Garnish with fresh parsley before bringing the dish to the table to feed your hungry crowd.
- Cook Time: 45 minutes