Quick Description
A savory, cheesy pasta bake loaded with ground beef and sausage, baked until golden and bubbling with melted mozzarella and cheddar. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep!
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 6–8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb Italian sausage (or ground pork)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 oz pasta (rigatoni, penne, or ziti)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
-
Cook the Meats:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and sausage, breaking them up into small pieces. Cook until browned, about 8–10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
-
Add the Veggies:
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
-
Prepare the Sauce:
- Stir in the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to combine the flavors.
-
Combine with Pasta:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and sauce mixture. Stir until the pasta is well coated.
-
Layer the Casserole:
- Spread half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat with the remaining pasta and top with the remaining cheese.
-
Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
-
Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Additional Notes
- For an extra boost of flavor, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat.
- This dish can be easily made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Dietary Info
- Keto: Not suitable due to pasta, but you can replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
- High-Protein: Packed with beef, sausage, and cheese for a protein-rich meal.
Flavor Tips & Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat with a mix of mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach for a vegetarian alternative.
- Cheese Variations: Try adding provolone or ricotta for extra creaminess.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Meat: You can use ground turkey, chicken, or a combination of the two for a leaner option.
- Tomato Sauce: If you don’t have marinara sauce, use plain tomato sauce and add your own seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Make It Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad to round out the meal.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight before baking. It may need an extra 5–10 minutes to bake.
