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Italian Pasta Bake

A deliciously cheesy Italian pasta bake, bubbling with melted provolone and mozzarella, served in a baking dish.

The Italian pasta bake is a reliable choice for everyone. It's hearty, satisfying, and comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.

With a delicious combination of ground beef, pasta, and cheese, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Time
Prep Time: 40 mins Cook Time: 25 mins Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
Cooking Temp 350  °F
Servings 8
Description

This Italian Pasta Bake features layers of ground beef, pasta shells, and melted cheese, all brought together with rich tomato sauce. It's customizable and can be prepared in advance, making it a convenient meal option for busy nights.

Ingredients
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 jar spaghetti sauce (24 ounces)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained (14-1/2 ounces)
  • 1 can mushroom stems and pieces, drained (4 ounces)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 3 cups uncooked medium pasta shells
  • 3 plum tomatoes, sliced
  • 3/4 cup shredded provolone cheese
  • 3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Procedure
  1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute longer. Drain any excess grease.
  2. Stir in spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes, drained mushrooms, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F. Cook pasta shells according to the package directions; drain.
  4. Add the cooked pasta to the beef mixture and gently stir in sliced plum tomatoes.
  5. Transfer the mixture to an ungreased 13x9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with provolone and mozzarella cheese.
  6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly and heated through.
Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

Amount Per Serving
Calories 489kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 20g31%
Saturated Fat 8g40%
Cholesterol 80mg27%
Sodium 702mg30%
Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
Dietary Fiber 5g20%
Sugars 10g
Protein 32g64%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Just let it come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.

Keywords: Italian pasta, pasta bake, baked pasta casserole, family dinner, easy meal prep
Read it online: https://pinnedrecipe.com/recipe/italian-pasta-bake/