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Baked Pasta Casserole Recipe Baked Pasta Casserole Recipe

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Baked Pasta Casserole Recipe

I whip up a hearty baked pasta casserole with ground beef, marinara, and gooey cheese. It's a comforting, cheesy delight that's perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.

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Nothing beats a hearty baked pasta casserole for dinner. This dish combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, and rich marinara sauce, all topped with gooey mozzarella and parmesan cheese. It's a comforting meal that’s easy to whip up and sure to please everyone at the table. Let's get cooking!

The name of the recipe: Baked Pasta Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 500 g uncooked pasta
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cloves minced garlic

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a saucepan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes.
  4. Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. In a baking dish, combine the cooked pasta and the meat sauce. Mix well.
  6. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

What You Will Need

H2: What you will need to make baked pasta casserole

  • Pasta: Provides the base, absorbing flavors from the sauce and cheese, creating a hearty and satisfying dish.
  • Marinara sauce: Adds rich tomato flavor, balancing the meat and cheese, essential for a cohesive casserole.
  • Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, stretchy layer that enhances the overall texture.
  • Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor, complementing the mozzarella and enriching the dish.
  • Ground beef: Provides protein and a savory depth, making the casserole more filling.
  • Garlic: Infuses the meat with aromatic flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the casserole.

Tools and Instruments Required

What tools/instruments will be needed to make Baked Pasta Casserole Recipe

  • Saucepan: Essential for browning ground beef and simmering marinara sauce, ensuring flavors meld together perfectly.
  • Baking dish: Holds the pasta and sauce mixture, allowing it to bake evenly and develop a bubbly, cheesy top.
  • Colander: Drains cooked pasta efficiently, preventing it from becoming soggy before mixing with the sauce.
  • Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the meat sauce and combining pasta with sauce in the baking dish.
  • Oven: Bakes the casserole, melting the cheese and creating a golden, crispy top layer.
baked-pasta-casserole-recipe

Baked Pasta Casserole Recipe

A hearty baked pasta casserole that's perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 45 mins
Total Time 1 hr
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking Dish
  • Saucepan

Ingredients:  

Main Ingredients

  • 500 g Pasta uncooked
  • 2 cups Marinara Sauce
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese shredded
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
  • 1 lb Ground Beef
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced

Instructions: 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a saucepan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes.
  • Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
  • In a baking dish, combine the cooked pasta and the meat sauce. Mix well.
  • Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes:

You can add some chopped fresh basil for extra flavor.

Nutrition value:

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Keywords:

Keyword Baked, Casserole, Pasta
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Make Ahead and Freezing Tips

Make Ahead Instructions

  1. Cook pasta and meat sauce as directed.
  2. Mix pasta and sauce in a baking dish.
  3. Let it cool completely.
  4. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
  5. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Freezing Instructions

  1. Follow make-ahead steps.
  2. Wrap the dish in plastic wrap, then foil.
  3. Label with date and contents.
  4. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  5. To bake, thaw in the fridge overnight.
  6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.

Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the marinara sauce can enhance the flavor profile, giving the baked pasta casserole a subtle warmth and depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any pasta shape works well.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely, assemble it and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Sure, ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely, bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms make great additions.

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