Baked Rotini Casserole

Ingredients:

• 454 grams rotini (elbow or spaghetti can be substituted)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon garlic (minced from the jar)
• 1 medium green bell pepper
• 1 medium onion (white or yellow)
• 227 grams mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3/4 liter bowl containing grated cheese (Mozzarella, Italian Blend, or Cheddar)
• 60 ml cup containing sour cream
• 794 grams red pasta sauce
• 3/4 liter bowl containing grated cheese (Mozzarella, Italian Blend, or Cheddar)

Preparation:

1. Using a hand blender or immersion blender, blend the garlic, olive oil, and butter until smooth.
2. Bring water to a boil, add salt and pasta, and cook according to instructions.
3. Grease a 9 x 12 pan with 2 tablespoons of butter.
4. Dice the green pepper and onion. Slice the mushrooms.
5. Heat the garlic oil in a pan and sauté peppers, onions, and mushrooms over medium heat for 3-4 minutes.
6. Drain pasta and set aside.
7. Add the ground beef. Add salt and pepper, breaking the beef into small bites. Continue cooking until beef is no longer pink, then drain off excess fat.
8. Add the jar of pasta sauce and reheat.
9. While the meat sauce cooks, add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese to a medium mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer to blend until well mixed.

Assembly:

1. Layer 1/2 of the pasta in a baking dish, add cheese mixture, and smooth evenly over the pasta.
2. Add the rest of the pasta, followed by the red meat sauce.
3. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes (you can spray oil on the foil to prevent sticking).
4. Remove foil, add grated cheese on top, and return to the oven for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted.
5. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serve the Baked Rotini Casserole hot, straight from the oven, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. This comforting casserole is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings, offering a medley of flavors and textures that will leave everyone coming back for seconds.