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:
- Using a hand blender or immersion blender, blend the garlic, olive oil, and butter until smooth.
- Bring water to a boil, add salt and pasta, and cook according to instructions.
- Grease a 9 x 12 pan with 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Dice the green pepper and onion. Slice the mushrooms.
- Heat the garlic oil in a pan and sauté peppers, onions, and mushrooms over medium heat for 3-4 minutes.
- Drain pasta and set aside.
- 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.
- Add the jar of pasta sauce and reheat.
- 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:
- Layer 1/2 of the pasta in a baking dish, add cheese mixture, and smooth evenly over the pasta.
- Add the rest of the pasta, followed by the red meat sauce.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes (you can spray oil on the foil to prevent sticking).
- Remove foil, add grated cheese on top, and return to the oven for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- 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.
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