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Italian Pasta Bake Casserole Recipe Italian Pasta Bake Casserole Recipe

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Italian Pasta Bake Casserole Recipe

This Italian Pasta Bake Casserole is my go-to comfort food. It's cheesy, hearty, and super easy to make. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week!

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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:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the 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, italian seasoning, and garlic powder to the beef. Stir to combine.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and beef sauce mixture. Mix well.
  6. Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the top.
  7. Add the remaining pasta mixture to the baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. 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

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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Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Total Time 50 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking Dish
  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl

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.

Nutrition value:

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Keywords:

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

Make Ahead and Freezing Tips

Make Ahead Instructions

  1. Prepare the pasta bake as directed, but don't bake it.
  2. Cover the assembled dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
  3. Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
  4. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  5. Bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if needed.

Freezing Instructions

  1. Assemble the pasta bake but don't bake it.
  2. Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil.
  3. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
  4. To bake, thaw in the fridge overnight.
  5. Remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  6. 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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