⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 6 servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

🍽 Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 2 cloves, minced Garlic
• 28 ounces (794g) Crushed Tomatoes
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can Diced Tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried Basil
• to taste Salt
• to taste Pepper
• 16 ounces (454g) Ricotta Cheese
• 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1 large Egg
• 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh Basil
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
• 1 cup, grated Mozzarella Cheese

📖 Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This is crucial for easy removal later.
2. In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Don't burn the garlic; it gets bitter quickly!
3. Add 28 ounces (794g) of crushed tomatoes, 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes (undrained), 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
4. While the sauce simmers, prepare the cheese mixture. In a medium bowl, combine 16 ounces (454g) of ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil. Mix well. The basil adds brightness to the richness of the ricotta.
5. Reduce the heat under the tomato sauce to low. Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream. This will give the casserole extra creaminess and richness.
6. Pour the tomato sauce into the prepared baking dish. Then, gently spoon the ricotta mixture over the top of the sauce. It doesn't need to be perfectly even; a rustic look is fine.
7. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. This will create a beautiful, melty topping.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning – ovens vary!
9. Let the casserole cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and prevents a messy first bite.
10. Garnish with extra fresh basil before serving. A sprinkle of fresh basil elevates the visual appeal and flavor! Enjoy!

📝 Notes

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce.
• Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor.
• Make sure the casserole is fully cooked before serving to prevent foodborne illnesses.
• Don't overbake! Keep an eye on it to prevent burning and maintain a lovely, golden-brown cheese topping