Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft (3-5 min).
Make the sauce: Stir in marinara, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10-15 min.
Cook pasta: Boil noodles (or preferred pasta) until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Layer the casserole:
1st layer: Pasta
2nd layer: Beef sauce
3rd layer: Ricotta/cottage cheese
4th layer: Mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan
Repeat layers, ending with cheese on top.
Bake 25-30 min until bubbly and golden. Broil 2-3 min for extra crispiness (optional).
Rest 5 min, garnish with parsley, and serve!
Tips & Variations
✔ Pasta swap: Penne, rigatoni, or rotini work great.
✔ Extra toppings: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or pepperoni.
✔ Spice it up: More red pepper flakes or jalapeños for heat.
✔ Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate overnight; bake 10-15 min longer.
✔ Lighter option: Use ground turkey or chicken.
✔ Cheesy tip: Add extra mozzarella or Parmesan on top before baking.
Final Thoughts
This hearty casserole combines the best of pizza and pasta for a crowd-pleasing meal. Easy to customize and perfect for busy nights—comfort food at its cheesiest!
Enjoy! 🍕🧀
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