Back To School Casserole

As the school year approaches, families find themselves in a whirlwind of schedules, homework, and extracurricular activities. The transition from summer to school can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to preparing meals that are quick, nutritious, and satisfying. The Back to School Comfort Casserole is an ideal solution for busy families looking to provide hearty, homemade meals without spending hours in the kitchen. This one-dish wonder combines wholesome ingredients, ease of preparation, and comforting flavors, making it the perfect addition to your back-to-school meal repertoire.

As the school year kicks off, ease the dinner rush with a delicious Back to School Comfort Casserole. This one-dish wonder is packed with nutritious ingredients like pasta, lean proteins, and colorful veggies, making it a customizable meal for your family. Easy to prepare and perfect for busy nights, it's sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Enjoy hearty flavors and comforting textures while providing essential nutrients for your kids as they settle into the school routine.

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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 (choose any color you prefer)

1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (a blend of peas, carrots, and corn works well)

2 cups marinara sauce

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground 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 ready for baking.

Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground turkey or beef. Cook it for about 6-8 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s evenly browned. If there's excess fat, drain it off.

Sauté the Vegetables: Incorporate the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper into the skillet with the browned meat. Sauté for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become tender.

Mix in Vegetables and Sauce: Add the frozen mixed vegetables to the skillet along with the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through.

Combine with Pasta: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooked pasta with the meat and vegetable mixture. Fold in the ricotta cheese until everything is evenly incorporated and creamy.

Layer the Casserole: In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta and meat mixture evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the first layer. Top with the remaining pasta mixture, then finish with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.

Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (be sure to spray the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking). Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley if desired. Cut into squares and enjoy this hearty, comforting meal!

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