Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with the ultimate comfort food – Eight-Layer Casserole. This hearty and delicious dish features layers of savory ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, creamy cheeses, and tender pasta, all baked to perfection for a satisfying meal that will leave you coming back for more. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a potluck dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Join us as we dive into the world of eight-layer casserole and discover the secrets to creating a dish that’s as flavorful as it is comforting.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 cups rotini pasta, uncooked
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well-drained
- 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess grease.
- Prepare Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, water, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Mix Cottage Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the cottage cheese and lightly beaten egg. Mix well and set aside.
- Assemble Layers: Begin assembling the casserole by spreading half of the cooked pasta evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the ground beef mixture, followed by half of the cottage cheese mixture, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and half of the thawed spinach. Repeat the layers once more, ending with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Add Bacon and Parmesan: Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled bacon evenly over the top of the casserole, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve: Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy the layers of flavor in every bite!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground beef and bacon for a vegetarian version of this casserole. You can substitute with additional vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free to make this casserole suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or allergies.
- Customize Seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick of flavor.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, adjustments can be made to the traditional recipe to fit your dietary preferences.
Keto Version:
- Cauliflower Substitute: Replace the rotini pasta with cooked cauliflower florets for a low-carb alternative.
- Sugar-Free Sauce: Choose a tomato sauce and tomato paste that are sugar-free to reduce the carb content of the dish.
- Increase Fat Content: Add additional sources of healthy fats such as diced avocado or a dollop of sour cream to increase the fat content of the casserole.
Low-Carb Version:
- Reduced Onion: Decrease the amount of onion used in the recipe to lower the carb count.
- Leaner Protein: Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef to reduce the fat content of the casserole.
- Cheese Control: Use less mozzarella cheese or opt for a lower-fat cheese such as part-skim mozzarella to decrease the overall fat content of the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I prepare this casserole in advance? Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, until ready to bake. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly if the casserole is cold when going into the oven.
- Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole? Absolutely! Allow the casserole to cool completely, then portion it into individual servings and store them in airtight containers in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen? Yes, you can use fresh spinach in place of frozen. Simply sauté the fresh spinach in a skillet with a bit of olive oil until wilted, then drain any excess liquid before layering it into the casserole.
- What other vegetables can I add to this casserole? Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to this casserole, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just be sure to cook them first to remove excess moisture before adding them to the layers.
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! You can use any type of pasta you prefer in this casserole, such as penne, rigatoni, or macaroni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type of pasta used.
Eight-Layer Casserole is a versatile and comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. With its layers of savory goodness and customizable ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you stick to the classic ingredients or get creative with your own variations, one thing’s for sure – this casserole is guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. So gather your ingredients, layer them up, and get ready to enjoy the deliciousness of Eight-Layer Casserole. Your taste buds will thank you!
