I’ve been making this dish for over 40 years! It’s a family favorite. All my children asked me for the recipe when they moved out, and now they make it for their own kids. This dish never goes out of style!

 Step 4: Preparing the Creamy Topping
In a separate bowl, combine:

1 cup sour cream

1 cup ricotta cheese

This is the secret to this casserole’s signature creamy flavor. If you’re unsure about the ricotta, don’t worry! Once baked, it melts into the dish, adding rich flavor without making it heavy.

 Step 5: Assembling the Casserole
Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).

In a greased 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish, arrange the ingredients in the following order:

Half of the cooked pasta

All of the creamy ricotta and sour cream mixture

Half of the meat sauce

The remaining pasta

The remaining meat sauce

Sprinkle the top evenly with cheddar and mozzarella cheese.

Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color.

 Step 6: Baking
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven for 25 minutes.