Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta for 1 to 2 minutes less than the package directions indicate (al dente). Drain and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion and cook, breaking up the meat, for 7 to 8 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Stir in the marinara sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- In a large bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until completely smooth. Add the drained pasta and stir until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy mixture.
- Spread half of the beef sauce mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the creamy pasta mixture on top, spreading it out evenly. Spoon the remaining beef sauce over the pasta layer and spread gently.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake covered for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Nutrition
Notes
Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.
Lighter swap: For a more nutritious version, substitute ground turkey or 90/10 lean ground beef, use reduced-fat cream cheese and light sour cream, and choose a low-sodium marinara sauce to keep the sodium in check.
Seasoning tip: Always taste your beef sauce before assembling and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking — a well-seasoned sauce is the foundation of a flavorful casserole.