Pasta Bake Made Easy 🍝
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories per Serving: 524.3
Description:
Looking for a quick dinner idea for those busy nights, or perhaps a delicious way to use up leftover pasta? This Pasta Bake Made Easy is the answer! Straight from the back of a Kraft package, this recipe combines the goodness of ground beef, two types of cheese, and flavorful spaghetti sauce for a dish that’s sure to please the whole family. With simple steps and minimal ingredients, it’s perfect for beginner cooks or anyone craving a hearty, comforting meal. Let’s dive into this cheesy, meaty goodness! 😋
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 pound cooked pasta (any type works!)
- 5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups spaghetti sauce
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s nicely browned. Once done, drain any excess fat. 🥩 |
| 2 | Add Sauce and Cheese: To the browned beef, stir in the spaghetti sauce and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the flavors meld together for a couple of minutes, creating a rich, meaty sauce. 🧀 |
| 3 | Combine with Pasta: Now, add in the cooked pasta to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the flavorful sauce. 💃 |
| 4 | Transfer to Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take out a 9×13-inch baking dish and spoon the pasta mixture into it. Spread it out evenly to ensure every bite is packed with flavor. 🍲 |
| 5 | Add Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the pasta mixture. This cheese will melt into golden perfection in the oven, creating that irresistible cheesy crust we all love. 🧀 |
| 6 | Bake to Perfection: Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for around 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it, you’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top. 😍 |
| 7 | Serve and Enjoy: Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes to allow the flavors to settle. Then, scoop generous portions onto plates, making sure to get plenty of that gooey cheese in every serving. Pair it with a crisp salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy the cheesy, meaty goodness of this Pasta Bake Made Easy! 🍽️ |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 524.3
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11.4g
- Cholesterol: 89.8mg
- Sodium: 726.3mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 44.3g
- Dietary Fiber: 7.6g
- Sugars: 7.2g
- Protein: 30g
Recipe Notes:
- Pasta Choices: Use your favorite pasta for this recipe—penne, rotini, or even spaghetti will work beautifully.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Sharp cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses can add extra flavor.
- Make it Spicy: For a kick of heat, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Freezing Instructions: This Pasta Bake freezes wonderfully! Prepare it up to the point of baking, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes, until bubbly and heated through.
Now, you have a delicious, easy-to-make Pasta Bake recipe in your arsenal for those nights when you need a satisfying meal without the fuss. Enjoy every cheesy, meaty bite! 🎉
