Cheesy Husband Casserole
A comforting layered casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, saucy pasta, and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred) Fattier beef keeps the dish juicy.
- 8 ounces rotini pasta Holds sauce in its spirals.
- 1 cup marinara sauce Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade.
- 1/2 cup sour cream Adds creaminess; Greek yogurt can substitute.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Freshly shredded melts better.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese For stretch and browning.
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper To taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside; toss with a teaspoon of olive oil if needed to prevent sticking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up and cook until browned and no pink remains. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain excess fat if desired.
- In a bowl, whisk together the marinara sauce and sour cream until smooth.
Assembly and Baking
- Layer half of the cooked pasta in the prepared dish. Top with half the beef mixture and half the sauce. Sprinkle half the cheddar and half the mozzarella. Repeat layers, finishing with the remaining cheeses on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Serve with a crisp green salad and a squeeze of lemon. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices are classic partners. Pair with steamed broccoli or a cucumber-tomato salad for a lighter vibe. Can top with toasted breadcrumbs or fried onions for extra texture. Leftover tips: Refrigerate within 2 hours in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.