Old-School Spaghetti Bake
Ingredients:
1 lb (454 g) rotini pasta (you can substitute elbow macaroni or spaghetti)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic (from a jar)
1 medium green bell pepper, diced
1 medium onion (white or yellow), diced
8 oz (227 g) mushrooms, sliced
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 lb (454 g) ground beef or sirloin, crumbled
28 oz (794 g) jar of red pasta sauce
4 oz (½ cup / 60 ml) sour cream
8 oz (1 cup) cream cheese, softened
8 oz (1 cup) cottage cheese
3 cups (about ¾ liter) shredded cheese (Mozzarella, Italian blend, or Cheddar), divided
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×12-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the vegetables: Dice the bell pepper and onion, and slice the mushrooms.
4. Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the garlic, bell pepper, onion, and mushrooms. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
5. Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Continue until the meat is browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.
6. Add the sauce: Pour in the pasta sauce, stir, and let it simmer for a few minutes until heated through.
7. Prepare the cheese mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. Use a hand mixer to blend until smooth and creamy.
8. Assemble the casserole:
Spread half of the cooked pasta in the prepared baking dish.
Evenly spread the cheese mixture over the pasta.
Add the remaining pasta on top, then pour the meat sauce evenly over it.
9. Bake: Cover the dish with foil (spray the underside of the foil with oil to prevent sticking) and bake for 20 minutes.
10. Add cheese topping: Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top, and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Rest and serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, old-fashioned pasta bake!
This hearty Old-School Spaghetti Bake is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor — perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week.
