- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, egg, and parsley.
- Mix well until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Pasta Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish.
- Layer half of the cooked pasta over the sauce.
- Spoon half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining meat sauce, pasta, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake to Perfection
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 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 golden brown.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
- Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Pair with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for the ultimate Italian-inspired dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family-Friendly: Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
- Customizable: Swap the ground beef for turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
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