Pasta Italiano Bake
A hearty baked pasta dish combining seasoned ground beef, tender noodles, and a creamy Parmesan topping, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
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 cups cooked and drained noodles ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves crushed ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Miracle Whip ⓘ
- 2 eggs beaten ⓘ
- 3/4 cup Kraft grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef; drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and minced garlic; cook until tender.
- Stir in tomato paste, water, dried oregano, and salt; simmer covered for 15 minutes.
- Cook the noodles until tender, drain, and toss with chopped parsley.
- In a separate bowl, combine Miracle Whip, beaten eggs, and grated Parmesan cheese; mix well.
- Layer cooked noodles, salad dressing mixture, and meat mixture in a 10 x 6-inch baking dish.
- Top with remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamy twist, consider substituting the Miracle Whip with sour cream or Greek yogurt. If you prefer a vegetarian option, swap the ground beef for lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. To enhance the flavor, add some crushed red pepper flakes or fresh basil. Ensure that your noodles are cooked al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
Serving Suggestions
This Pasta Italiano Bake is delicious on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside a side of roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli for added nutrition. For a fun twist, consider serving with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Italiano Bake contains roughly 750 calories, with 20g protein, 134g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (177% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (127% of the Daily Value), and calcium (107% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1878mg per serving (82% 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 Pasta Italiano Bake in advance. Assemble the layers in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
If you're looking for alternatives to ground beef, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, try using crumbled tempeh or mushrooms sautéed with the vegetables for a hearty texture.
Can I freeze the Pasta Italiano Bake?
Yes, this dish freezes well. After assembling, cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to three months. To bake from frozen, simply increase the baking time to about 45-60 minutes at 350°F, ensuring it's heated through to the center.
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).