Pasta Italiana Bake
A hearty baked pasta dish with seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, and cheesy topping, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers seeking rich flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 2 eggs, beaten ⓘ
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked and drained noodles ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley ⓘ
- 3/4 cup Miracle Whip salad dressing ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef; drain.
- Add chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and minced garlic.
- Cook until tender.
- Stir in tomato paste, water, salt, and oregano. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Combine cooked noodles and chopped parsley; toss lightly.
- Mix beaten eggs, Miracle Whip salad dressing, and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese well.
- Layer noodles, salad dressing mixture, and meat sauce in a 10 x 6-inch baking dish.
- Top with remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, try adding ricotta cheese to the noodle mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you don't have Miracle Whip, mayonnaise can be used instead, though it will change the flavor slightly. To save time, use pre-cooked pasta or leftovers from another meal, like Spaghetti Sauce with or without Meat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Pasta Italiana Bake with a fresh side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of extra parsley on top adds a nice touch. For a hearty accompaniment, consider serving with steamed vegetables or pairing it with Italian recipes like Stuffed Spanish Shells for a diverse dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Italiana Bake contains roughly 761 calories, with 21g protein, 137g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (182% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (127% of the Daily Value), and calcium (107% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1964mg per serving (85% 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 cheese?
Absolutely! While Parmesan adds a distinct flavor, you can substitute it with mozzarella for a gooey texture or a blend of Italian cheeses for a richer taste. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile of the dish may change slightly depending on the cheese you choose.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, this Pasta Italiana Bake freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and follow the reheating instructions as mentioned.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Certainly! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and replace it with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or other vegetables. You can also add some cooked lentils for added protein. Just ensure that the other ingredients you use, like the salad dressing, are 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).