STEP 1: PREHEAT THE OVEN AND BOIL THE PASTA

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook the pasta until it’s al dente—you don’t want it too soft, as it will continue to cook in the casserole.

Once the pasta is ready, drain it and set it aside. If you want to add spinach, now is the time to thaw and drain the frozen spinach (or use fresh spinach, if you prefer). Set the spinach aside as well.

STEP 2: BROWN THE MEAT AND SAUTÉ THE VEGETABLES

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or ground turkey) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant. This will help to build the savory foundation of the dish.

STEP 3: MAKE THE SAUCE

Once the meat and vegetables are cooked, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir everything together until combined. Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together and the sauce thicken slightly.

If you’re using spinach, you can add it to the sauce during this step. Stir the spinach into the sauce, making sure it’s well incorporated.

STEP 4: COMBINE THE PASTA AND SAUCE

Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Make sure all the pasta is well covered with the tomato sauce. If you’re using ricotta cheese, you can mix it into the pasta and sauce at this stage for a creamy, smooth texture.

STEP 5: ASSEMBLE THE CASSEROLE

Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly in the dish.

Sprinkle the top of the casserole with mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese, ensuring it’s well-covered. The cheese will melt and become golden brown during baking, creating that perfect cheesy crust.

STEP 6: BAKE THE CASSEROLE

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly browned. This will give the casserole a delicious, golden finish.

STEP 7: GARNISH AND SERVE

Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This allows the cheese to set and makes it easier to slice. Before serving, garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.