Nona’s Italian Pasta Casserole

May 10, 2023May 10, 20230 3
Nona's Italian Pasta Casserole - A Hearty and Comforting Dish
in Pasta

Prep

30 min

Cook

45 min

Ready In

1 hour 15 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

2 lbs ricotta cheese
1/2 lb mozzarella cheese , shredded
1 egg
1/4 cup parsley , chopped
1/2 small onion , chopped
1/2 stalk celery , finely chopped
1/4 lb vermicelli , cooked al dente
1/4 lb provolone cheese , sliced
1 cup shredded romano cheese or 1 cup parmesan cheese
1/2 lb mushroom , chopped into pieces
2 garlic cloves , minced
1/2 lb pancetta ( italian bacon ) or 1/2 lb Canadian bacon
1/2 lb ground sirloin
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt , pepper , and oregano ( to personal taste )

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
8-10
Calories
480
Sugar
3g
Fat
32g
Nona's Italian Pasta Casserole is a classic family recipe that is a hearty and comforting dish. This casserole is perfect to make ahead of time and serve for a large group of people. The mixture of cheeses and pasta with the meat creates a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love. The casserole is also great as leftovers for the next day, and it can be reheated easily in the microwave or oven. Whether you are making this dish for a special occasion or just as a weeknight dinner, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2.In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, egg, parsley, and salt and pepper to taste.
3.In a frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and cook the onion, celery, garlic, mushroom, and pancetta until softened.
4.Add the ground sirloin and cook until browned.
5.Add salt, pepper, and oregano to taste.
6.Meanwhile, cook vermicelli according to package instructions and toss together with the meat mixture.
7.In a 9x13 inch baking dish, layer the vermicelli mixture, followed by the provolone cheese slices, and then the ricotta cheese mixture. Continue layering until all ingredients are used up.
8.Sprinkle the top with romano cheese or parmesan cheese.
9.Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

PROS

The combination of the different cheeses creates a rich and creamy texture in the casserole.

The pasta and meat mixture is hearty and filling, making it a great choice for a family meal or potluck.

CONS

The dish is high in calories and fat, making it an occasional indulgence rather than a regular part of a healthy diet.

Some of the ingredients, such as the pancetta and provolone cheese, may not be readily available in all areas.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While not particularly healthy, this casserole does provide a good source of protein and calcium from the cheese and meat.
The garlic, onion, and celery provide some immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory benefits, while the mushrooms are a good source of vitamins and minerals.

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