Baked Pasta Casserole with Fresh Salad

Baked Pasta Casserole with Fresh Salad: A Comforting and Well-Balanced Meal

When it comes to preparing a meal that’s both comforting and well-balanced, few dishes hit the mark like a baked pasta casserole paired with a refreshing fresh salad. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this combination is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. The richness of the cheesy, saucy pasta contrasts perfectly with the light, crisp salad, making for a satisfying and wholesome meal.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make a hearty baked pasta casserole that’s bursting with flavor and a simple fresh salad to round out the dish. The best part? Both components are easy to make, and you can customize them to suit your tastes!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Pasta Casserole with Fresh Salad

Comforting and Hearty: The baked pasta casserole is a rich, cheesy, and satisfying dish that will fill you up and keep you warm during colder months.
Balanced Meal: The fresh salad adds a crisp, healthy contrast to the rich pasta, ensuring you get your daily dose of veggies and nutrients.
Customizable: Both the pasta casserole and the salad are easy to tweak to suit different preferences, dietary restrictions, or what you have on hand.
Easy to Prepare: While the casserole bakes in the oven, you can quickly whip up the salad, making it a perfect meal for busy nights or family gatherings.

Recipe: Baked Pasta Casserole

Ingredients:

1 pound (16 oz) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti work best)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking pasta)
1 pound ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or a plant-based protein for a lighter option)
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Cook the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Combine the Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ricotta cheese, and about 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir in the meat sauce, making sure the pasta is well-coated.
Transfer to a Baking Dish: Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm, and enjoy!

Recipe: Fresh Salad to Complement the Casserole

A light, crisp salad is the perfect accompaniment to the rich, cheesy pasta casserole. This fresh salad uses simple, colorful ingredients that add crunch, flavor, and nutritional value to your meal.

Ingredients:

Mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, or a spring mix)
1 cucumber, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup olives (green or black, pitted and sliced)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
Salt and pepper to taste

For Complete Cooking STEPS Please Head On Over To Next Page Or Open button (>) and don’t forget to SHARE with your Facebook friends