Back To School Casserole

As the summer days fade and the school bells ring, families everywhere transition into a bustling routine filled with homework, extracurricular activities, and the occasional chaos of packing lunches. Amid this whirlwind, comfort food emerges as a vital source of solace, providing not only nourishment but also a sense of warmth and familiarity. The Back to School Comfort Casserole is an ideal solution for those hectic evenings, offering a delicious and satisfying meal that brings the family together around the dinner table.

Revamp your busy weeknight dinners with the Back to School Comfort Casserole, the perfect family-friendly meal that brings warmth and nourishment to your table. This hearty dish combines cooked pasta, ground turkey or beef, colorful vegetables, and a rich marinara sauce, all topped with gooey cheese. It's easy to customize for dietary preferences and makes great leftovers. Create lasting memories as you enjoy this delightful and satisfying casserole together, even amidst the back-to-school rush.

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Ingredients

2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or penne works well)

1 pound ground turkey or beef

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, diced (any color)

1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)

2 cups marinara sauce

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground turkey or beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet with the meat. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.

Mix in Veggies: Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow to simmer for about 3-5 minutes until everything is heated through.

Combine with Pasta: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat and vegetable mixture. Gently fold in the ricotta cheese until well incorporated.

Layer the Casserole: Spread half of the pasta and meat mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the layer. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, spray the foil with cooking spray) and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.

Garnish and Serve: Once baked, let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving. Cut into squares and enjoy this hearty meal!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 50 minutes | Serves 6-8