Overnight Rotini Bake
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
Keywords: Meat, Kid Friendly, Oven, < 4 Hours
Description:
This Overnight Rotini Bake is a delicious and hearty one-dish meal that you can prepare ahead of time. Made with ground beef, vegetables, and rotini pasta, this dish is not only simple to assemble, but it also ensures a flavorful dinner for the whole family. Perfect for busy nights when you want a satisfying meal with minimal effort, this dish can be refrigerated overnight and baked the next day. The gooey melted mozzarella cheese on top adds the finishing touch, making it an irresistible family favorite!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 1/2 lbs |
| Onion | 1 medium |
| Green bell pepper | 1 medium |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Crushed tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Hot water | 2 cups |
| Rotini pasta | 1 box (16 oz) |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1 1/2 cups (shredded) |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 382.4 |
| Fat | 13.8g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.2g |
| Cholesterol | 58.1mg |
| Sodium | 664.7mg |
| Carbohydrates | 41.7g |
| Fiber | 3.6g |
| Sugar | 6.6g |
| Protein | 22.5g |
| Servings | 8 |
Instructions:
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Prepare the baking dish: Begin by spraying a 13×9-inch glass or ceramic baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set it aside for later use.
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Cook the beef and vegetables: In a large pot, cook the ground beef, onion, green bell pepper, and garlic over medium-high heat. Stir frequently and cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender, about 7-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the mixture to remove any excess fat.
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Add the remaining ingredients: To the cooked beef mixture, stir in the crushed tomatoes, hot water, dry soup mix, Italian seasoning, and rotini pasta. Mix well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
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Assemble the bake: Spoon the pasta and beef mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil, making sure it is tightly sealed.
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Refrigerate overnight: Place the covered dish in the refrigerator and let it sit for at least 8 hours, or up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and makes the bake even more delicious.
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Bake the dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the oven is heated, bake the casserole for 45 minutes, keeping the dish covered with foil to retain moisture.
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Add the cheese: After 45 minutes, remove the dish from the oven, uncover it, and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve and enjoy: Once the cheese is melted and golden, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Cut into squares and serve hot for a delicious, comforting meal that everyone will enjoy!
Tips:
- For a twist, feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the bake.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture.
- Make sure to use a good-quality mozzarella cheese for the best melting results.
This Overnight Rotini Bake is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to meal prep for the next day. With minimal prep time and a hands-off cooking process, it’s a reliable go-to dish that your whole family will love. Enjoy it with a simple salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal!
