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Hearty Pasta Bake

Easy Meaty Pasta Bake: A Family Favorite

Craving a satisfying and flavorful dinner that’s also easy to make? Look no further than this delicious Meaty Pasta Bake! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a hearty and comforting meal that the whole family will love. Prepare to enjoy a savory pasta dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Finished Meaty Pasta Bake

Why You’ll Love This Meaty Pasta Bake

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to cook a delicious meal can be a challenge. That’s why this Meaty Pasta Bake is a lifesaver! It’s the ideal solution for those evenings when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it also tastes significantly better (and is healthier) than takeout. Plus, it’s a great dish to make for company, as the recipe is easily doubled to feed a crowd.

If you prefer, you can prepare the pasta bake ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe steps up to the baking stage, cover the dish, and refrigerate (or freeze) it. Allow the frozen casserole to thaw in the refrigerator before baking. Take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you’re ready to cook. Then, bake according to the recipe instructions for an easy and stress-free meal.

Feel free to customize this recipe to your preferences. You can add sautéed mushrooms, onions, and green peppers for extra nutrition and color. If you prefer a saucier pasta bake, add more spaghetti sauce. Use your favorite pasta shapes or whatever you have on hand – rigatoni and mezzi rigatoni are great options. Serve with a side salad and some crusty French bread for a complete meal.

Yields: 8 servings

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 40 minutes

Total time: 1 hour

Ingredients

  • 1 pound pasta noodles (any shape)
  • ¾ – 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 3 – 5 ounces pepperoni slices, quartered
  • 1 (24-32 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce (or more to taste)
  • 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese (8 oz)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  2. Cook pasta noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  3. While the pasta is cooking, cook and crumble the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain any excess grease.
  4. Add the spaghetti sauce and pepperoni slices to the skillet with the sausage.
  5. Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the skillet with the sauce and sausage. Mix well to combine.
  6. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish.
  7. Top the mixture with the shredded Mozzarella cheese.
  8. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the dish is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Let it rest for few minutes before serving

Tips and Variations

  • For added flavor and nutrition, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, onions, and green peppers to the sausage and sauce mixture.
  • Adjust the amount of spaghetti sauce to your liking. If you prefer a saucier pasta bake, add a bit more sauce.
  • Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

(Please note: Nutrition information is an approximation and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.)

  • Calories: 516 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 49g
  • Protein: 23g
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2g
  • Cholesterol: 61mg
  • Sodium: 1083mg
  • Potassium: 549mg
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Vitamin A: 539IU
  • Vitamin C: 7mg
  • Calcium: 229mg
  • Iron: 2mg

Enjoy your delicious and easy Meaty Pasta Bake!