Cavateni
A hearty baked pasta dish combining ground beef, pepperoni, mushrooms, and melted mozzarella, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers seeking bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef, then cook the rigatoni shells and macaroni until tender. Drain both pasta types.
- Mix the browned beef, chopped onion, diced green pepper, and sliced pepperoni into the Prego spaghetti sauce.
- Grease an 8x9-inch casserole dish.
- Layer the meat mixture, cooked pasta, shredded mozzarella cheese, and drained mushrooms in the dish.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 30 minutes until bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding Italian seasoning or garlic to the meat mixture. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef. Feel free to swap out the mozzarella for provolone or even a dairy-free cheese if needed. This dish is flexible, so use any leftover vegetables you have, similar to what you might do in Pasta E Fagioli.
Serving Suggestions
This Cavateni dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside Angie'S Easy Lasagne for a satisfying Italian feast. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top before serving adds a nice touch, and a glass of red wine complements the flavors beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but cover them to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cavateni contains roughly 280 calories, with 15g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (51% of the Daily Value), protein (29% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 497mg per serving (22% 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 Cavateni a day in advance. Assemble the layers in the casserole dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of Prego spaghetti sauce?
If you don't have Prego spaghetti sauce, any jarred marinara or homemade tomato sauce will work well. You can also use a combination of diced tomatoes and Italian herbs for a homemade touch, giving it a fresh flavor that complements the dish.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Cavateni freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in the oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
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).