Delight in the comfort and flavor of a Baked Rotini Casserole, a hearty dish that combines tender rotini pasta, savory meat sauce, and layers of gooey melted cheese. This casserole is a perfect blend of textures and tastes, baked to golden perfection for a satisfying and family-friendly meal.
Start by boiling rotini pasta until al dente, ensuring it retains a slight bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the meat sauce. In a skillet, brown ground beef or Italian sausage, infusing it with aromatic garlic and onions. Add tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian herbs, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of warmth. Simmer the sauce to let the flavors meld, creating a robust and savory base.
Combine the cooked rotini with the meat sauce, ensuring the pasta is well-coated in the flavorful mixture. This step ensures that every bite is infused with the delicious essence of the meat sauce. Assemble the casserole by layering the saucy rotini in a baking dish. Generously sprinkle a blend of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over each layer, creating a gooey and golden topping that will bubble and crisp as it bakes.
Bake the Rotini Casserole in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown. The irresistible aroma of baked pasta and savory sauce will fill your kitchen, signaling the casserole’s readiness.