Short on time and want to save a dime? Check out this easy, time-efficient piece of deliciousness, Sloppy Lasagna Casserole. Don’t let the name fool you, this is full-on organized yumminess that saves you from it all. This “chef’s kiss” (i.e. really good) tomato pasta delight will make you feel like you took a quick trip to the beautiful Italian countryside on a pinched penny. Sloppy Lasagna Casserole will soon be your go-to destination. So, sit back, take a slice, and enjoy the scenery! Delizioso!
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups penne pasta, uncooked
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 (16-ounce) package frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 (1.3-ounce) envelope sloppy joe mix
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cups 2% cottage cheese
- 1 1/2 cups Colby-Monterey Jack cheese, shredded, divided
Directions
Step 1 –Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2 –Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 3 –In a large pot of salted, boiling water, cook the penne pasta to al dente according to the package directions. Drain.
Step 4 –While the pasta is cooking, add the ground beef and the chopped onion to a large skillet over medium heat and cook, while breaking the beef into crumbles, until the meat is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 5 –Drain the ground beef, removing any grease, and return the meat to the skillet.
Step 6 –Add the mixed vegetables, the water, the tomato sauce, the tomato paste, the sloppy joe mix, the parsley, and the oregano to the meat mixture and bring it to a boil.
Step 7 –Reduce the heat and simmer the veggie mixture, uncovered, until the veggies are crisp-tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 8 –Stir the pasta into the beef mixture.
Step 9 –Spoon 1/2 of the pasta mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 10 –Top the pasta mixture with the cottage cheese and 3/4 cup of the cheese.
Step 11 –Add the remaining pasta mixture to the dish.
Step 12 –Bake the casserole, covered, for 25 minutes.
Step 13 –Uncover the casserole and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
Step 14 –Bake the casserole until it is bubbly and the cheese has melted, about 5-10 minutes.
Step 15 –Serve.
