Eight-Layer Casserole

This Eight-Layer Casserole is a satisfying blend of savory layers that brings together tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and a touch of crispy bacon. With each layer adding a unique flavor and texture, this dish is ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or any time you want to serve up a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal. Baked to perfection with a golden, bubbly top, this casserole is sure to become a favorite!

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Why You’ll Love This Eight-Layer Casserole:

Hearty and Filling: This dish combines pasta, beef, cheese, and vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal that’s ideal for family dinners.
Layered with Flavor: With eight delicious layers, each ingredient adds a unique texture and taste, from the meaty tomato sauce to the creamy cottage cheese and the crispy bacon.
Perfect for Make-Ahead Meals: This casserole is great for prepping in advance and reheats well, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
Customizable: Swap ingredients, add veggies, or use different cheeses to tailor this dish to your liking.

Key Ingredients:

Ground Beef: For the best flavor, use lean ground beef to avoid excessive grease. If you prefer, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Tomato Sauce and Paste: The combination of tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste gives the casserole a rich, hearty tomato flavor. You could use Italian-seasoned diced tomatoes for added flavor.
Rotini Pasta: Rotini’s spiral shape holds onto the sauce and cheese well, but you can use other short pasta like penne or fusilli if you prefer.
Cottage Cheese: Cottage cheese adds a creamy layer with a slightly tangy flavor. Ricotta can be used as a substitute if you prefer a smoother texture.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy layer. Feel free to mix in some shredded cheddar for added flavor.
Spinach: Using frozen, chopped spinach is convenient; just make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water to prevent a watery casserole.
Bacon: Crumbled bacon adds a delicious smoky, savory crunch. Turkey bacon or a sprinkle of smoky paprika can be used as a substitute.

Directions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get an even bake and perfectly melted cheese.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture

Cook Beef, Onion, and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the finely chopped onion and minced garlic.
Drain Fat: Remove any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, water, basil, salt, and pepper.
Simmer: Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 4: Cook the Rotini Pasta

Cook Pasta: Boil the rotini in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Make the Cottage Cheese Mixture

Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the beaten egg.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch Baking Dish.
Layer Ingredients:
Spread half of the rotini on the bottom.
Layer half of the cottage cheese mixture over the pasta.
Add half of the meat sauce.
Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella.
Repeat Layers: Repeat with the remaining rotini, cottage cheese mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella.

Step 7: Add Spinach, Bacon, and Parmesan

Top Layer:
Add the drained, thawed chopped spinach.
Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the spinach.
Finish with grated Parmesan.

Step 8: Bake the Casserole

Cover and Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Uncover and Bake: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Rest for 10 Minutes: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

This Eight-Layer Casserole is a meal on its own, but here are some sides to round out the meal:

Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up any extra sauce.
Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the richness of the casserole.
Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed green beans or broccoli for a balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Refrigerating Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheating leftovers makes for easy lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully! Assemble the casserole as directed but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave for individual portions.

Variations and Additions:

Add Mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms with the beef, onion, and garlic for an earthy flavor.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat or sautéed vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms.
Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a kick of heat.
Cheese Varieties: Try mixing in some shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or gouda for a richer, cheesier casserole.
Swap the Pasta: Penne, ziti, or rigatoni can be used in place of rotini if preferred.
Make it Healthier: Use whole wheat pasta, low-fat cottage cheese, and lean ground turkey for a lighter version.

Conclusion:

This Eight-Layer Casserole is the epitome of comfort food—hearty, cheesy, and loaded with layers of delicious ingredients. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or just a cozy night at home, this casserole is guaranteed to please. Serve it up, watch it disappear, and savor the warmth and satisfaction it brings.

With its layers of flavor and ease of preparation, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy every flavorful bite!