LAYERED MEAT AND COTTAGE CHEESE MACARONI CASSEROLE
This is great to take to potlucks, you can prepare the complete casserole and refrigerate until ready to bake, adjust all seasonings to suit taste. To save time you can cook the sauce up to 48 hours in advance, in fact I advise to do so this will allow the flavors will blend together. If you prefer creamier layers increase the cottage cheese to 4 cups. Prep time does not include cooking the tomato sauce.
Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz
Categories Cheese
Time P1DT1h40m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- For the sauce; cook the ground beef or sausage meat with onion and garlic, chili powder, basil, oregano and cayenne; cook until browned; drain fat.
- Add in tomato paste and stir over medium-low heat for 2 minutes.
- Add in crushed tomatoes, bring to simmer and cook uncovered over medium-low heat stirring occasionally for 1-1/2 to 2 hours (the longer this sauce cooks the thicker and richer it will be, if you find that the sauce is too thick add in some water and continue cooking).
- Season with salt and pepper; set aside.
- Meanwhile cook the macaroni pasta until just al dente (do not overcook the pasta) drain then place into a bowl.
- Add in 3 cups cottage cheese, 1 cup grated mozzeralla cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; mix to combine with a wooden spoon.
- Spread about 1-1/2 cups cup meat sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Top meat sauce (just dollup the meat sauce then spread with a spoon, you do not have to cover completely with the meat sauce) then with 1/3 of the cottage cheese/macaroni mixture, then sprinkle about 1 cup shredded mozzeralla or cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layers 2 more times (make certain to save some meat sauce for the top of the casserole).
- Top with remaining meat sauce.
- In a small bowl combine the topping ingredients together until blended, then sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
- At this point you can cover the casserole and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
- Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.
- Delicious!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 705.5, Fat 35.2, SaturatedFat 17.7, Cholesterol 112.6, Sodium 1886.5, Carbohydrate 53.6, Fiber 5.1, Sugar 10.8, Protein 44.3
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Elysha Kumari
[email protected]I made this casserole for my family and they loved it! It's a great recipe for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Quin wimberly
[email protected]This casserole is delicious and easy to make. I highly recommend it!
Deon Cedarvan
[email protected]I've made this casserole several times and it's always a hit. It's a great recipe to have on hand for busy weeknights.
Maria Elia
[email protected]This is one of my favorite casserole recipes. It's easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Lala Slala
[email protected]I'm not a huge fan of cottage cheese, but I love this casserole. The other ingredients really balance out the flavor.
Kamika Forney
[email protected]This casserole is a great way to use up leftover meat and vegetables.
Nejib Abdela
[email protected]I love how versatile this casserole is. I can add different vegetables or cheeses to change up the flavor.
Mason Beesley
[email protected]I've been making this casserole for years and it's always a favorite. It's perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.
Yadav Ji
[email protected]This is my go-to comfort food recipe. It's so easy to make and always turns out delicious.
DRILON
[email protected]I made this casserole for a potluck and it was a huge success! Everyone loved it and asked for the recipe.
Fatema akter Sayma
[email protected]This casserole was a hit with my family! The combination of meat, cottage cheese, and macaroni was delicious, and the cheese topping was perfect. I will definitely be making this again.