1. Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish.
2. Cook the Beef Mixture
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
- Add chopped onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Make the Creamy Layer
- In a small bowl, mix together sour cream and cream cheese until smooth.
4. Assemble the Casserole
- In the prepared baking dish, layer the ingredients as follows:
- Half of the cooked pasta
- Half of the meat sauce
- Spoon and spread the sour cream mixture evenly
- Repeat with remaining pasta and meat sauce
- Top with shredded cheese
5. Bake
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve
- Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Tips
- Add veggies: You can add bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to the meat mixture for more nutrition.
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze after assembly (before baking) or freeze leftovers in individual portions.
Enjoy!
