Back To School Casserole

As summer fades and the back-to-school season begins, families often find themselves in a whirlwind of activities. Between navigating new schedules, helping with homework, and attending extracurricular events, the kitchen can easily become a last priority. This is where comfort food steps in—a warm, hearty meal that not only nourishes the body but also soothes the soul. One such dish that epitomizes both convenience and satisfaction is the Back to School Comfort Casserole.

The Back to School Comfort Casserole is the perfect solution for busy families looking to simplify mealtime as the school year ramps up. This hearty dish combines pasta, ground meat, fresh veggies, and a blend of cheeses to create a satisfying meal that can be prepared ahead of time. With endless customization options, it caters to every taste and gives parents a chance to enjoy quality family time. Discover how this nutritious and delicious casserole can become a staple in your kitchen!

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Ingredients

2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or penne recommended)

1 pound ground turkey or beef

1 medium onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, diced (any color of your choice)

1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn work well)

2 cups marinara sauce

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for baking.

Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground turkey or beef. Cook for approximately 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula as it browns. If there’s excess fat, drain it off to keep the dish lighter.

Sauté Vegetables: Once the meat is browned, incorporate the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper into the skillet. Sauté all the ingredients for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and are fragrant.

Mix in Veggies: Add the frozen mixed vegetables, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything well and allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for 3-5 minutes, heating it all through.

Combine with Pasta: In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked pasta with the meat and vegetable mixture. Gently fold in the ricotta cheese until it’s evenly distributed throughout the dish.

Layer the Casserole: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Start by spreading half of the pasta and meat mixture evenly in the bottom. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over this layer. Add the remaining pasta mixture and top it off with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, lightly spray the foil with cooking spray). Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and beautifully golden.

Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. For a finishing touch, sprinkle with freshly chopped basil or parsley. Cut into squares and savor this delightful, hearty meal!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 50 minutes | Serves 6-8