Indulge in a culinary delight with our irresistible Cheesy Meaty Pasta Bake, a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This hearty and satisfying dish features layers of succulent ground beef, savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy, gooey blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. The recipe includes variations for a classic lasagna-style bake, a speedy one-pot skillet version, and a tantalizing slow-cooker option for effortless preparation. Whether you're craving a comforting family meal or a special occasion feast, our Cheesy Meaty Pasta Bake is sure to be a hit.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
CHEESY BAKED PASTA WITH SAUSAGE AND RICOTTA
Like a cross between baked ziti and sausage lasagna, this mozzarella-topped pasta is rich with ricotta and crushed tomatoes - and cooks entirely in one pan, including the pasta. The Italian sausage adds meaty depth to the sauce, but vegetarians can leave it out or use their favorite plant-based sausage instead.
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories easy, weekday, pastas, main course
Time 45m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Heat oven to 425 degrees. Heat oil in a 12-inch ovenproof skillet over medium-high. Crumble sausage into skillet, using a spoon to break it into small pieces. Cook until starting to brown, stirring occasionally, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in garlic, oregano, fennel seeds and red-pepper flakes (if using), and cook another 1 to 2 minutes.
- Stir in whole tomatoes and their juice, using a spoon to break them up. Add crushed tomatoes, bay leaves and 2 teaspoons salt, and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Stir in pasta and 1 cup water and return to a simmer. Continue to simmer for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to make sure pasta doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan. Remove from heat, pluck out the bay leaves, and fold in about a third of the mozzarella.
- Top pasta with remaining mozzarella and dollops of ricotta. Sprinkle with Parmesan, then transfer to oven. Bake until pasta is tender when poked with a fork, and cheese is bubbly and lightly golden, 18 to 22 minutes. (If you'd like a more deeply browned topping, run the pan under the broiler for 1 or 2 minutes.) Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Top with basil, plenty of black pepper, and more red-pepper flakes, if you like.
MEATY PASTA CASSEROLES
I love this recipe because it makes two hearty casseroles. Every time I make it I add a little something different, such as extra garlic, to give it an added boost of flavor. -Debra Butcher, Decatur, Indiana
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h20m
Yield 2 casseroles (6 servings each).
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, cook beef, sausage, mushrooms, onion and green pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink, breaking meat into crumbles; drain., Drain pasta; add to the meat mixture. Stir in the tomatoes, spaghetti sauce, salsa and pepperoni. , Preheat oven to 350°. Divide half the pasta mixture between 2 greased 13x9-in. baking dishes. Sprinkle each with 1/4 cup Swiss cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese. Spread 3/4 cup 3-cheese spaghetti sauce over each. Top with remaining pasta mixture and 3-cheese spaghetti sauce. Sprinkle with remaining cheeses., Cover and bake until bubbly, about 25 minutes. Uncover; bake until cheese is melted, about 10 minutes longer. Freeze option: Cover unbaked casserole and freeze for up to 3 months. To use, thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake casserole, covered, 45 minutes. Uncover; bake 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 708 calories, Fat 38g fat (16g saturated fat), Cholesterol 106mg cholesterol, Sodium 1788mg sodium, Carbohydrate 54g carbohydrate (18g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 38g protein.
CHEESY MEATY PASTA BAKE
This recipe is a sort of Frankenstein .. it's a combination of about 4 different recipes I've made with a touch of something new from another recipe. It's rich, it's filling, it's comfort food. It's super easy to make and I suggest you double the recipe so you have some to freeze for a quick hearty meal on a super busy day. If...
Provided by Maggie M
Categories Pasta
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- 1. Preheat oven to 350*. Lightly spray a baking dish - 8 x 8 or 9 x 9 and set aside.
- 2. In a small dish mix together the onion powder, garlic and oregano and set aside.
- 3. Cook the pasta according to package instructions but shorten the cooking time by 2 minutes. Rinse and drain well.
- 4. Heat a large skillet or pot to medium and add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until done. Remove meat from pan but leave the drippings.
- 5. To the pan drippings add the butter. Then add the mushrooms, onion, bell pepper and celery and cook until all are done but not scorched.
- 6. Add the meat mixture to the cooked vegies then mix in the pepperoni. Sprinkle the seasonings and stir to blend over low heat.
- 7. Stir in the tomato sauce and heat thoroughly over low for about 5 minutes. Add the pasta and stir to combine.
- 8. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the Provolone and half of the Mozzarella cheese.
- 9. Cover and bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly. Remove cover and sprinkle with remainder of cheeses. Return to the oven for about 5 minutes or until all of the cheese has melted.
- 10. Remove from oven and let it sit for at least 7 minutes before serving. Serve with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips:
- Use a variety of pasta shapes and sizes to create a more interesting texture and visual appeal.
- Don't overcook the pasta. It should be al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
- Use a good quality cheese that melts well. Cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan are all good choices.
- Add some vegetables to the pasta bake for a more nutritious meal. Broccoli, cauliflower, and spinach are all good options.
- Season the pasta bake well with salt and pepper. You can also add other spices and herbs, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning.
- Bake the pasta bake until it is golden brown and bubbly. This usually takes about 30 minutes.
- Let the pasta bake cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it to set and make it easier to cut.
Conclusion:
Cheesy meaty pasta bake is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight. It is also a great way to use up leftover pasta and meat. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a dish that the whole family will enjoy.
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