Best 4 Easy Italian Friendship Casserole Recipes

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**Introducing the Easy Italian Friendship Casserole: A Culinary Symphony of Comfort and Nostalgia**

Embark on a delightful culinary journey with the Easy Italian Friendship Casserole, a timeless dish that embodies the essence of comfort and nostalgia. This iconic casserole, a true testament to the enduring legacy of Italian cuisine, is a symphony of flavors and textures, promising a heartwarming experience with every bite.

As its name suggests, this casserole fosters friendship and togetherness. The rich and flavorful sauce, featuring a harmonious blend of ground beef, Italian sausage, and aromatic vegetables, is lovingly layered between tender layers of pasta and melted cheese. The end result is a dish that exudes warmth and goodness, perfect for sharing with loved ones on any occasion.

This versatile recipe offers a canvas for culinary creativity, allowing you to explore variations that suit your personal preferences. From hearty and meaty to vegetarian and cheesy, the Easy Italian Friendship Casserole adapts effortlessly to your dietary choices and culinary inclinations.

Within this article, you'll discover a collection of carefully curated recipes that guide you through crafting this iconic dish in different styles:

* **Classic Italian Friendship Casserole:** Experience the traditional flavors of this timeless recipe, featuring ground beef, Italian sausage, and a medley of vegetables, enveloped in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce.

* **Easy Vegetarian Italian Friendship Casserole:** Embrace the goodness of vegetables in this meatless variation, where a combination of roasted vegetables and hearty beans takes center stage, complemented by a flavorful tomato sauce.

* **Cheesy Italian Friendship Casserole:** Indulge in a cheesy extravaganza with this recipe, where multiple types of cheese, including mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan, create a gooey and irresistible layer that elevates the casserole to new heights of deliciousness.

* **Gluten-Free Italian Friendship Casserole:** Enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic without compromising on dietary restrictions. This recipe features gluten-free pasta and a selection of gluten-free ingredients, ensuring that everyone can savor this culinary delight.

Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a culinary novice, the Easy Italian Friendship Casserole is an accessible and rewarding dish that will leave you feeling satisfied and nostalgic. So, gather your ingredients, don your apron, and embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the beauty of friendship, comfort, and the timeless allure of Italian cuisine.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

EASY ITALIAN FRIENDSHIP CASSEROLE RECIPE - (4.1/5)



Easy Italian Friendship Casserole Recipe - (4.1/5) image

Provided by Pattywak

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 pounds ground beef, browned
1 (48-ounce) jar favorite spaghetti sauce
1 (16-ounce) bag medium egg noodles
1/2 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
12 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350ºF. Brown meat and drain fat. Then put the meat back in the skillet. Add spaghetti sauce to meat; simmer for 20 minutes. Cook noodles as directed on the package (cook to al dente); then drain and toss the noodles with butter, seasonings and parmesan cheese. Spray two 9×13 pans with non-stick spray. In each pan layer one quarter of the sauce, half of the noodles, then split the remaining sauce between the two. Top each with half of the mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil; bake 45 minutes. *You can also add some sauteed green bell peppers, onions and mushrooms to the sauce. Perfect for dinner or a meal to serve a crowd after a fun day of outdoor winter activities!! Scrumptious!

ITALIAN-INSPIRED CASSEROLE



Italian-Inspired Casserole image

I come from a huge family, and it seems there is always a potluck occasion. No matter what time of year, this hearty, crowd-pleasing Italian casserole is always a hit. It's easy to make and serve. -Rita Goshaw, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h5m

Yield 16-20 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

1-1/2 pounds bulk Italian sausage
1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped green pepper
2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cans (8-3/4 ounces each) whole kernel corn, drained
2 cans (2-1/4 ounces each) sliced ripe olives, drained
1 package (16 ounces) wide noodles, cooked and drained
8 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into strips

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook sausage, beef, onion and green pepper until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, water and seasonings; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Add corn and olives. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in noodles. , Pour into two greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dishes. Top with cheese. Cover and bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 273 calories, Fat 13g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 64mg cholesterol, Sodium 542mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 16g protein.

FRIENDSHIP CASSEROLE



Friendship Casserole image

Sometimes I really want an easy, but still a casserole that will have that baked taste to it. We loved a baked spaghetti casserole and this is a easy one to do

Provided by Linda Vitulli

Categories     Casseroles

Time 1h30m

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 pounds of ground beef, browned
1 jar 48oz of your favorite spaghetti sauce
16 oz bag medium egg noodles
1/2 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
12 oz shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat oven to 350º Brown meat and drain fat. Then put the meat back in the skillet. Add spaghetti sauce to meat; simmer for 20 minutes. Cook noodles as directed on the package (cook to al dente); then drain and toss the noodles with butter, seasonings and parmesan cheese. Spray two 9×13 pans with non-stick spray. In each pan layer one quarter of the sauce, half of the noodles, then split the remaining sauce between the two. Top each with half of the mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil; bake 45 minutes.

FRIENDSHIP CASSEROLE



Friendship Casserole image

Make and share this Friendship Casserole recipe from Food.com.

Provided by DebM2348

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h

Yield 16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 lbs ground beef
1 (48 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
2 tablespoons sugar
1 (16 ounce) package medium egg noodles
1/2 cup margarine or 1/2 cup butter
3/4 teaspoon onion salt
3/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
12 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350º.
  • Brown meat, drain fat. Add spaghetti sauce and sugar to meat; simmer 20 minutes.
  • Cook noodles as directed (al dente); drain and toss with margarine, salts.
  • and Parmesan cheese.
  • Spray two 9x13 pans with non-stick spray. In both pans layer half the sauce,.
  • all the noodles, rest of sauce; top with mozzarella cheese.
  • Cover with foil; bake 45 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 336.4, Fat 21.7, SaturatedFat 8.3, Cholesterol 67.3, Sodium 475.8, Carbohydrate 16, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 6, Protein 18.7

Tips:

  • Prep your Ingredients: Before you start cooking, make sure to measure and chop all of your ingredients. Having everything ready to go will make the cooking process much smoother and quicker.
  • Choose the Right Pasta: The best pasta for this dish is a short pasta, such as penne, macaroni, or shells. These pastas will hold the sauce well and won't get too mushy.
  • Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, but make sure to remove it from the pot a minute or two before it's fully cooked. This will prevent the pasta from becoming too soft and mushy.
  • Make a Rich and Flavorful Sauce: The sauce is the key to this dish, so make sure to take the time to make it right. Use a combination of olive oil, garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning to create a flavorful base. You can also add cooked vegetables, such as spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms, to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Combine the Ingredients: Once the pasta and sauce are ready, combine them in a large bowl. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated with sauce. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, to the pasta at this point.
  • Bake the Casserole: Pour the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish and top with additional grated Parmesan cheese. Bake the casserole in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pasta is heated through. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes.
  • Let the Casserole Cool: Once the casserole is baked, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to set. Serve the casserole with a side of garlic bread or salad.

Conclusion:

Easy Italian Friendship Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual get-together. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With a few simple tips, you can make sure that your Easy Italian Friendship Casserole turns out perfectly every time. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this recipe a try!

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