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Friendship Casserole

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  • Author: Paula
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8–10 servings
  • Diet: Halal

Description

A hearty, layered pasta bake with creamy cheese layers, rich meat sauce, and pasta, baked until bubbly and golden. This friendship casserole is perfect for sharing at family dinners, potlucks, or gifting a comforting meal to a friend.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

1 jar (24 oz) spaghetti sauce

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

8 oz egg noodles or rotini pasta

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup cottage cheese or ricotta

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Nonstick spray for greasing

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain fat, then stir in spaghetti sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. In a small bowl, mix sour cream and cottage cheese (or ricotta) until smooth.
  5. Layer half the pasta in the baking dish.
  6. Spread the sour cream and cheese mixture over the pasta.
  7. Top with the remaining pasta.
  8. Pour the meat sauce evenly over the top.
  9. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  10. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  11. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  12. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of beef.

Add mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra flavor.

Stir in red pepper flakes for a spicy version.

Use part-skim cheeses and whole wheat pasta for a lighter option.

Freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American-Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion (1/10 of casserole)
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 640mg
  • Fat: 19g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

Find it online: https://cookingwhispers.com/friendship-casserole/