Cavatini Casserole
A hearty casserole combining pasta, savory hamburger, pepperoni, and melty mozzarella, offering a delicious mix of spaghetti, lasagna, and pizza flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger with salt and chopped onion in a skillet.
- Add pepperoni, tomato paste, Ragu spaghetti sauce, dry spaghetti mix, and water to the browned meat mixture. Simmer until well combined.
- Cook the pasta (spaghetti, macaroni, rotini) until al dente, drain, and add to the sauce mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes to 1 hour, uncovered, until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of hamburger. You can also substitute whole wheat pasta for the spaghetti, macaroni, and rotini for added fiber. If you're short on time, pre-cooked pasta can be used, just adjust the baking time accordingly. Adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms can enhance the flavor and nutrition of this dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Cavatini Casserole with a side salad for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette pairs wonderfully to soak up the delicious sauce. For a unique twist, consider serving it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. It also complements well with American recipes like the Buffet Egg Casserole for a potluck.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or oven, covering with foil to retain moisture, and heat until warmed through. This casserole also freezes well; cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cavatini Casserole contains roughly 467 calories, with 23g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (45% of the Daily Value), calcium (32% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1635mg per serving (71% 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 use a different type of sauce instead of Ragu?
Absolutely! You can use any marinara or spaghetti sauce that you prefer. Homemade sauce works great too, giving you control over the flavors. Just ensure it's a similar consistency to maintain the casserole's texture.
What if I don't have all the pasta shapes?
No problem! You can mix and match any pasta shapes you have on hand. The key is to ensure the total amount remains the same, so feel free to use more or less of each type to get to 4 1/2 cups total pasta.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground hamburger with a plant-based meat alternative or lentils. You can also add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or broccoli for added texture and flavor. Just ensure the sauces used are also vegetarian-friendly.
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).