Cook the Pasta:
Fill a pan with water and bring to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Stir well.
Add 9 ounces (250 g) of pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Meat Filling:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
Add grated garlic and cook for another minute.
Add 14 ounces (400 g) of minced meat and cook until browned. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon paprika. Stir well to combine.
Layer the Casserole:
Preheat the oven to 360ºF (180ºC). Grease a baking dish with a little olive oil.
Start by layering half of the cooked pasta in the dish, followed by a layer of the seasoned minced meat. Repeat with the remaining pasta and meat.
Prepare the Topping:
In a bowl, whisk together 3 eggs, 1 ounce (30 g) sour cream, and 1 ounce (30 g) mayonnaise until smooth.
Pour the mixture evenly over the layered pasta and meat. Sprinkle 7 ounces (200 g) of grated cheese on top.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Prepare the Fresh Salad:
Place sliced red onions in a bowl, pour 1 cup boiling water and 2 tablespoons wine vinegar over them, and let sit for a few minutes. Drain.
In a salad bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, drained onions, diced avocado, and torn mozzarella cheese.
Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1 teaspoon oregano. Toss gently to combine.
Serve:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice and serve with the fresh salad on the side.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added freshness. The accompanying salad adds a bright and tangy contrast to the rich flavors of the casserole.
Cooking Tips
Prevent Pasta from Sticking: Adding olive oil and stirring frequently while boiling will prevent the pasta from clumping.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the meat filling and boil the pasta in advance. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.
Cheese Choice: Use mozzarella or cheddar for a melty, gooey topping. A combination of cheeses can add extra flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
High in Protein: This dish is packed with protein from the minced meat, cheese, and eggs, supporting muscle health.
Balanced Meal: The casserole offers carbs, protein, and fats, while the salad provides fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats from avocado.
Nutrient-Rich: The fresh salad ingredients are rich in vitamins C, E, and antioxidants.
Dietary Information
Contains Gluten and Dairy
Not Suitable for Vegetarians or Vegans
Can be Modified: Use gluten-free pasta and dairy-free cheese for those with dietary restrictions.
Storage
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Cover with foil when reheating in the oven to prevent drying out.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that kids and adults will enjoy.
Complete Meal: A hearty casserole combined with a fresh salad makes this a balanced and filling meal.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can have a delicious homemade casserole ready in no time.
Conclusion
This Baked Pasta Casserole with Fresh Salad is a satisfying and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for a comforting dish to enjoy on a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Enjoy the rich flavors of the casserole paired with the refreshing salad for a delightful meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any pasta shape will work, though shorter types like penne or fusilli are best for layering.
Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey makes a leaner alternative to beef.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Substitute the minced meat with a plant-based ground meat alternative or cooked lentils for a vegetarian version.
What can I use instead of sour cream and mayonnaise in the topping?
Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier substitute.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
How do I prevent the casserole from drying out in the oven?
Cover with foil if it starts to brown too quickly or seems dry during baking.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes, adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini is a great way to boost the nutritional content.
Can I use store-bought sauce instead of making the meat filling?
You can use a jar of your favorite pasta sauce to simplify the recipe.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It reheats well, making it a great option for meal prepping lunches or dinners.
Can I omit the eggs in the topping?
The eggs help bind the topping, but you can replace them with a vegan egg substitute if necessary.
