Family Reunion Casserole

Bring the whole family together with this hearty and comforting Family Reunion Casserole, a crowd-pleaser packed with bold flavors and creamy layers. This baked pasta dish combines tender penne, savory ground beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce, and a luscious blend of cream cheese and sour cream for a velvety texture. Topped with melty mozzarella, nutty Parmesan, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this casserole bakes to golden perfection in just 30 minutes. Perfect for large gatherings or weeknight dinners, it’s easy to assemble and can feed up to eight hungry guests. With simple pantry staples and a comforting aroma, this casserole is bound to become a family favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 28 ounces diced tomatoes (unsalted)
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 16 ounces penne pasta
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 4

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.

Step 5

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Set aside.

Step 7

To assemble the casserole, spread half of the cooked pasta evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the meat sauce, followed by half of the cream cheese mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.

Step 8

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Step 9

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbling.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3196.1 grams (3196.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6279

Total Fat 369.40g	474%
Saturated Fat 179.30g	897%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.70g
Cholesterol 1147mg	382%
Sodium 6216mg	270%
Total Carbohydrate 455.60g	166%
Dietary Fiber 36.50g	130%
Total Sugars 76.40g
Protein 319.40g	639%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2935mg	226%
Iron 42mg	231%
Potassium 7223mg	154%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 51.7%

Protein: 19.9%

Carbs: 28.4%