Cheesy Baked Italian Summer Squash

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Enjoy a hearty and flavorful dish with this Cheesy Baked Italian Summer Squash recipe. Combining tender summer squash with a rich marinara sauce, a blend of cheeses, and aromatic herbs, this dish is perfect for a comforting dinner. The addition of ricotta cheese adds an extra layer of creamy goodness, making it irresistible.

Ingredients

  • 4 smooth-skinned summer squash, quartered and chopped into 1/4 inch chunks
  • 1 large white onion, chopped
  • 1 large bell pepper, cored and roughly chopped
  • 32 ounces marinara sauce (Rao’s recommended)
  • 1 1/2 cups grated Mexican-blend or Italian-blend cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon oregano or Italian seasoning
  • 3-4 basil leaves, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Optional: 4-5 dollops (tablespoons) of ricotta cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Coat a large baking dish with a light layer of olive oil.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped white onion and bell pepper, sautéing until they are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the quartered and chopped summer squash and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the squash is just tender.
  3. Season the Vegetables: Season the sautéed vegetables with salt, pepper, and oregano or Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the sautéed vegetables on top of the sauce. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican-blend or Italian-blend cheese evenly over the vegetables. Add the remaining marinara sauce over the cheese.
  5. Add the Mozzarella: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the marinara sauce. If using, add dollops of ricotta cheese on top for extra creaminess.
  6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped basil leaves before serving.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Baked Italian Summer Squash is a delightful and comforting dish that brings together the best of summer produce with rich, cheesy flavors. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy the delicious blend of vegetables, marinara, and cheese in every bite!