Baked Pasta
Creamy baked pasta with savory meat sauce and melted mozzarella offers comforting flavors, perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place cooked pasta in a 13x9 inch pan.
- In a skillet, combine ground beef, garlic, and chopped onion, cooking until the ground beef is no longer pink.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Add spaghetti sauce and diced tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Spread the sauce mixture over the cooked pasta in the pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for one hour.
- Remove from oven, top with shredded mozzarella cheese, and bake for an additional fifteen minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding Italian herbs like oregano or basil to the meat mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked ziti or even swap it for a different pasta shape. To enhance the sauce, try incorporating Beverly'S Tomato Sauce for a deeper taste.
Serving Suggestions
This baked pasta dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for an easy and satisfying meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside Italian recipes like Italiano Meat Pie. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top can add a nice touch before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover baked pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Pasta contains roughly 1169 calories, with 66g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 75g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (132% of the Daily Value), calcium (47% of the Daily Value), and iron (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1220mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the baked pasta in advance. Assemble the dish up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
Can I freeze baked pasta?
Absolutely! Baked pasta freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can easily substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option. If using a leaner meat, consider adding a bit of olive oil to the skillet to keep the dish moist. Ground sausage can also add a nice flavor twist.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).