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Italian Pasta Bake Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 500 g penne or rigatoni pasta
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 jar about 24 oz marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the 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, italian seasoning, and garlic powder to the beef. Stir to combine.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and beef sauce mixture. Mix well.
- Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the top.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture to the baking dish and top with the remaining 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!
Imagine a cozy evening with the aroma of marinara sauce and garlic powder wafting through your kitchen. This Italian Pasta Bake Casserole is a hearty, cheesy delight that brings comfort to the table. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it's a dish that combines simplicity with rich flavors. Dive into layers of penne, ground beef, and gooey mozzarella for a meal everyone will love.
What You Will Need
Read more: Italian Bake Casserole Recipe
What you will need to make Italian pasta bake casserole
- Penne or rigatoni pasta: Provides the hearty base, holding up well to baking and absorbing flavors from the sauce and cheese.
- Ground beef: Adds rich, savory flavor and protein, making the dish more filling and satisfying.
- Marinara sauce: Brings tangy, tomatoey goodness, tying all the ingredients together with its robust flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy top layer that everyone loves.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor, enhancing the overall taste and providing a nice contrast to the mozzarella.
- Italian seasoning: Infuses the dish with classic Italian herbs, giving it an authentic and aromatic touch.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the savory profile, adding depth and a subtle kick to the sauce.
Tools and Instruments Required
What tools/instruments will be needed to make Italian Pasta Bake Casserole Recipe
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the pasta and browning the ground beef.
- Colander: Drains the cooked pasta efficiently.
- Mixing bowl: Combines pasta with the beef sauce mixture.
- Baking dish: Holds the layered pasta and cheese for baking.
- Wooden spoon: Stirs the sauce and pasta mixture thoroughly.
Italian Pasta Bake Casserole Recipe
A hearty and delicious Italian pasta bake that's perfect for family dinners.
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Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 500 g Pasta penne or rigatoni
- 500 g Ground Beef
- 1 jar Marinara Sauce about 24 oz
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- to taste Salt and Pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the 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, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder to the beef. Stir to combine.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and beef sauce mixture. Mix well.
- Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture to the baking dish and top with the remaining 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 vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
Read more: Baked Pasta and Ricotta Casserole Recipe
Nutrition value:
Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg
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Make Ahead and Freezing Tips
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the pasta bake as directed, but don't bake it.
- Cover the assembled dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if needed.
Freezing Instructions
- Assemble the pasta bake but don't bake it.
- Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To bake, thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if needed.
For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a bit of red wine to the marinara sauce while it's simmering with the ground beef. It gives the dish a richer, more complex taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Substitute ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like fusilli, ziti, or farfalle works well.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely, freeze it before baking or after. If freezing before, thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
What can I serve with this pasta bake?
A simple green salad and garlic bread make great side dishes.
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