Donatella
A hearty baked pasta casserole with savory ground beef, tomato sauce, and cheesy toppings, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. cooked pasta (rigatoni or your preference)
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 clove crushed garlic ⓘ
- 3 (15 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 small can sliced olives ⓘ
- 1 small can mushroom stems and pieces ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can drained tomatoes ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients and place in a large baking dish or casserole.
- Bake at 325°F for 35 to 40 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also swap the cheeses for part-skim mozzarella for a lower fat option. If you prefer more flavor, add Italian herbs like basil and oregano. You can even incorporate different vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to enhance the dish. This versatile recipe also works well with different pasta shapes, so feel free to experiment.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top just before serving adds a nice touch. It pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Caprese salad or even a simple bruschetta. This dish is perfect for gatherings, making it a great option for potlucks or family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to avoid drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Donatella contains roughly 1563 calories, with 82g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 118g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (164% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (133% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2597mg per serving (113% 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 pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is recommended, you can use any pasta shape you prefer like penne or fusilli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if you choose a different size or shape, as it may affect how quickly it bakes and absorbs the flavors.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and substituting it with lentils or a meat substitute like crumbled tempeh. You can also increase the quantity of vegetables, such as mushrooms and olives, to add more texture and flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture. You could also use a spicy tomato sauce or add some hot sauce to taste before baking for an extra kick.
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).