Ah, casseroles—those delightful one-dish wonders that somehow manage to bring a sense of nostalgia and warmth to the dinner table. It’s almost like they have this magical power to turn a chaotic day into a cozy family gathering. Whether it’s the cheesy embrace of a bubbling lasagna or the comforting simplicity of a chicken and rice bake, there’s something about a good casserole that just feels like home.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and spread ½ cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, minced garlic, lemon zest, oregano, red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon of salt, and some freshly ground black pepper.
- Boil a large pot of salted water, add the ziti pasta, and cook it until al dente according to package directions. Drain the pasta.
- Return the pot to the stove and heat a little olive oil over low heat. Add the spinach and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until wilted, working in batches if needed. Remove the spinach, squeeze out excess water, coarsely chop it, and set it aside.
- Place the drained pasta back in the pot, add the remaining marinara sauce, most of the chopped spinach, ¼ teaspoon of sea salt, and a touch of fresh pepper. Toss everything together until well combined.
- Layer half of the pasta mixture into the baking dish, add spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture, spread the remaining spinach, and then cover with the rest of the pasta. Sprinkle mozzarella and pecorino cheeses on top, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 16 to 22 minutes until the cheese is golden.
- Once baked, garnish the dish with fresh basil or parsley and serve it hot.
Ingredients
- 4 cups (32 ounces) marinara sauce
- 2 cups (16 ounces) ricotta cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt, plus additional for pasta water
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- 1 pound fresh spinach
- 1½ cups smoked mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated pecorino or Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
FAQ
- What are some quick and easy dinner ideas for busy weeknights?
- If you’re short on time, consider trying dishes like Sesame Soba Noodles, which are ready in just 20 minutes, or Easy Black Bean Burgers that can be prepared in 30 minutes. These recipes are both flavorful and convenient for a fast-paced evening.
- Can I make dinner ahead of time to save time during the week?
- Absolutely! Recipes like Easy Coconut Curry taste even better the next day, making them perfect for meal prep. You can also assemble Vegetarian Lasagna ahead of time and bake it when needed for a stress-free weeknight dinner.
- What are some healthy one-pan meal options?
- Healthy one-pan meals like Sheet Pan Gnocchi and Cauliflower Fried Rice are great options for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. They’re quick to prepare and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.
- Are there any vegan or vegetarian dinner recipes that are satisfying?
- Yes, there are plenty! Try the Vegan Burrito filled with Spanish rice and black beans or the Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers packed with rice, corn, and black beans. These plant-based options are hearty and full of flavor.
- What are some family-friendly dinner ideas that kids will enjoy?
- Consider making Cheesy Tortellini Soup or Homemade Mac and Cheese, both of which are family favorites. These recipes are comforting and delicious, ensuring that even picky eaters will be satisfied.
Tips
- Pre-cook the Spinach: When sautéing spinach, work in batches to ensure it’s evenly wilted. This helps prevent overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of sautéing, ensuring a better texture.
- Ricotta Mixture Preparation: Combine ricotta with garlic, lemon zest, and spices in advance to allow the flavors to meld. This will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Avoid Overcooking Pasta: Boil the pasta until it is just al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. This helps maintain the pasta’s texture and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Cheese Browning Tip: For a beautifully browned and bubbly cheese topping, consider broiling the dish for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Equipment
- Love and Lemons,” you might need the following main equipment items that you could find on Amazon and might not typically have at home:
- Instant Pot – Useful for recipes like Instant Pot Lentil Soup and Instant Pot Chili.
- Air Fryer – Helpful for making crispy dishes like Crispy Sesame Tofu.
- High-Quality Blender or Food Processor – For making sauces and creamy bases, like the creamy vegan pasta or blending cauliflower for Fettuccine Alfredo.
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish – Essential for baked dishes like Easy Baked Ziti or Vegetarian Lasagna.
- Mandoline Slicer – Could be useful for uniformly slicing veggies, such as for Bok Choy Stir Fry or Okonomiyaki.
- Griddle or Large Skillet – Ideal for recipes like Grilled Cheese or Sweet Potato Hash.
- Pasta Maker – If you want to make fresh pasta for dishes like Zucchini Pasta or Stuffed Shells.
- Pizza Stone or Steel – To achieve a crispy crust for homemade pizzas like Favorite Veggie Pizza or Margherita Pizza.
- Air-Tight Containers – For meal prep and storing leftovers, especially for recipes that taste better the next day, like Easy Coconut Curry.
- Cast Iron Pan – Useful for dishes that require high heat cooking, like Shakshuka or Sweet Potato Hash.
