Italian Pasta Bake Recipe
Overview
This Italian Pasta Bake recipe is a delightful creation born out of a pantry raid, resulting in a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a quick meal. It combines the richness of ground beef with the savory notes of garlic, onions, and olives, all bound together with cheeses and pasta. Serve it alongside a fresh salad and garlic biscuits for a complete and satisfying dinner.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Keywords: < 60 Mins
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1/4 lb ground beef
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 can black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups rotini pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
- 2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pasta
- Start by cooking the rotini pasta in a large pot of boiling water for about 5 minutes, or until just slightly undercooked. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Meat and Aromatics
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef together with the diced onion and minced garlic until the meat is fully cooked and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Add Sauce and Olives
- Stir in your favorite pasta sauce (homemade or store-bought) into the skillet with the cooked meat mixture. Heat through until bubbly and well combined.
- Add the sliced black olives to the sauce and mix well. Adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Assemble the Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread a layer of the partially cooked rotini pasta evenly into a greased 11×7-inch baking dish.
5. Layer with Cheeses
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta to cover evenly.
- Pour the prepared meat sauce over the pasta layer, ensuring it’s spread out evenly across the dish.
6. Top and Bake
- Sprinkle the shredded Italian cheese blend generously over the top of the sauce, covering it completely.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the dish is heated through.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Once baked, remove the Italian Pasta Bake from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Serve hot alongside a tossed salad and garlic biscuits for a complete meal experience.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 187.9
- Total Fat: 4.6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.4g
- Cholesterol: 12.8mg
- Sodium: 112.3mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 27.9g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.6g
- Sugars: 0.9g
- Protein: 8.3g
Tips for Success
- Pasta Perfection: Be sure not to overcook the pasta initially since it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to customize the cheese blend to your liking. Mozzarella, provolone, or a mix of Italian cheeses work wonderfully.
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Variations
- Vegetarian Twist: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or add extra vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms.
- Spice It Up: For a kick of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce.
- Creamy Addition: Mix in a bit of ricotta or cream cheese to the sauce for added creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
- This Italian Pasta Bake pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette or creamy Caesar dressing.
- For a heartier meal, serve with warm garlic breadsticks or homemade garlic biscuits as suggested by the original recipe creator.
Conclusion
This Italian Pasta Bake is not only a quick and easy dinner option but also a crowd-pleaser that brings together the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine in a single dish. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the blend of savory meats, cheeses, and pasta in every bite, and savor the simplicity and deliciousness of homemade comfort food at its best!
