8 Layer Casserole

20 minutes Prep Time
1 hour Cook Time
8 Servings

This hearty 8 Layer Casserole delivers all the classic lasagna flavors you love, made easier with penne pasta and a rich meat sauce built from Red Gold Tomato Sauce, Red Gold Petite Diced Tomatoes and Red Gold Sweet Basil Tomato Paste. Layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy cottage cheese, and melty mozzarella bake together into a comforting, family-style main course. It’s a crowd-pleasing baked pasta recipe that’s perfect for weeknights or feeding a full table. @krislhug @thefeedeed

Ingredients

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 can Red Gold Tomato Sauce 15 oz
  • 1 can Red Gold Petite Diced Tomatoes 14.5 oz, undrained
  • 1 can Red Gold Sweet Basil Tomato Paste 6 oz
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 (16-ounce) container cottage cheese
  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

Step one

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.

Step two

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped onion in olive oil until softened and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes.

Step three

Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Drain excess fat.

Step four

Add the salt, black pepper, oregano, Red Gold Tomato Sauce, undrained Red Gold Petite Diced Tomatoes, Red Gold Sweet Basil Tomato Paste, and water. Stir well and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, until slightly thickened.

Step five

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step six

In a medium bowl, mix the egg and cottage cheese until combined.

Step seven

Spread half of the cooked penne in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the meat sauce, half of the cottage cheese mixture, and half of the shredded mozzarella.

Step eight

Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, cottage cheese mixture, and mozzarella. Sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.

Step nine

Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden on top. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

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