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Cavatelli Casserole Recipe Cavatelli Casserole Recipe

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Cavatelli Casserole Recipe

This Cavatelli Casserole is a comforting, cheesy delight with tender pasta, savory ground beef, and rich marinara sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it's easy to make and absolutely delicious!

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If you're craving a comforting, hearty meal, this Cavatelli Casserole Recipe is a must-try. It's packed with savory ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and topped with gooey mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish brings together simple ingredients for a flavor-packed experience. Let's get cooking!

The name of the recipe: Cavatelli Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb cavatelli pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the cavatelli pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  4. Add the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the pot with the ground beef. Stir to combine and let simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Transfer to a baking dish.
  6. Sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

What You Will Need

What you will need to make Cavatelli Casserole

  • Cavatelli pasta: Provides a chewy texture that holds the sauce well, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.

  • Ground beef: Adds a hearty, savory element to the dish, making it more filling and rich in flavor.

  • Marinara sauce: Brings a tangy, tomato-based flavor that ties all the ingredients together with a hint of sweetness.

  • Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy layer that enhances the overall taste and texture.

  • Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the mozzarella and adds depth to the dish.

  • Dried oregano: Infuses the casserole with a warm, slightly bitter flavor that balances the sweetness of the marinara sauce.

  • Dried basil: Provides a sweet, aromatic touch that enhances the overall flavor profile of the casserole.

Essential Tools and Instruments

What tools/instruments will be needed to make Cavatelli Casserole Recipe

  • Large pot: Essential for cooking the ground beef and simmering the marinara sauce with spices.
  • Colander: Necessary for draining the cooked cavatelli pasta.
  • Baking dish: Used to combine the pasta and meat sauce, then bake with cheese on top.
  • Wooden spoon: Handy for stirring the meat sauce and mixing it with the pasta.
  • Oven: Required for baking the casserole until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
cavatelli-casserole-recipe

Cavatelli Casserole Recipe

A hearty and delicious casserole made with cavatelli pasta, 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
  • Large pot

Ingredients:  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb cavatelli pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions: 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cook the cavatelli pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  • Add the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the pot with the ground beef. Stir to combine and let simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Transfer to a baking dish.
  • Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes:

This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated. Just bake it when you're ready to eat.

Nutrition value:

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Keywords:

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

Make Ahead and Freezing Tips

Make Ahead Instructions

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

Freezing Instructions

  1. Prepare the casserole as above but don't bake.
  2. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, then foil.
  3. Label with the date.
  4. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  5. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight.
  6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.

For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of red wine to the marinara sauce while it simmers.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ:
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Substitute ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or use extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What can I serve with this casserole?
Serve it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

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