Description
Hearty carnivore’s dream Meat Lovers Casserole delivers a symphony of savory flavors straight from homestyle kitchen traditions. Packed with robust meats and rich seasonings, this comforting dish promises a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- ½ cup (75 grams) diced bacon, cooked (about 4–5 slices)
- ½ cup (75 grams) diced ham
Cheese and Dairy:
- 2 cups (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Other Ingredients:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces or 680 grams) marinara or pasta sauce
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or rigatoni works best)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a generously sized pot with water, season with salt, and bring to a rolling boil.
- Add pasta and cook until tender yet firm, following package guidelines.
- Carefully drain pasta using a colander, allowing excess water to escape completely.
- Set pasta aside in a separate bowl, ensuring it remains warm and easily accessible for the next preparation stages.
Notes
- Choose pasta with ridges or curves to better hold the hearty meat sauce and enhance flavor absorption.
- Consider using whole wheat pasta for added nutrition and a slightly nutty taste that complements the rich meaty ingredients.
- Cook pasta just shy of the recommended time to prevent overcooking when baking in the casserole, ensuring a perfect al dente texture.
- If preparing ahead, slightly undercook the pasta by 1-2 minutes since it will continue cooking during the baking process.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Breakfast
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 740
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg