Quick Baked Pasta
A hearty baked pasta dish featuring seasoned ground beef, garlic, and a rich blend of spaghetti sauce, gravy, and cream, topped with mozzarella cheese. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it offers comforting flavors and a satisfying texture that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute garlic and ground beef in olive oil until browned.
- Drain excess fat from the beef.
- Add spaghetti sauce, brown gravy, half and half, parmesan cheese, oregano, and rosemary to the beef. Simmer.
- Cook penne pasta until al dente. Drain.
- Mix the cooked pasta with the beef and sauce mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a 3-quart baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, consider using pre-cooked ground beef or substituting it with turkey for a lighter version. You can also swap the penne pasta for another shape like fusilli or rigatoni. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture. This dish can also be enriched with vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This Quick Baked Pasta pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For an Italian touch, serve it alongside Meat Loaf Italiano or a side of steamed vegetables. A glass of red wine can enhance the flavors and make the meal feel extra special.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, just ensure they're covered to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Baked Pasta contains roughly 686 calories, with 9g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (32% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1154mg per serving (50% 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 and the sauce mixture ahead of time. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just add an additional 10 minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of half and half?
If you don't have half and half, you can substitute with a mixture of equal parts milk and heavy cream for a similar richness. Alternatively, for a lighter option, use whole milk or a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk, though this may slightly alter the flavor.
Can I freeze the baked pasta?
Yes, you can freeze the baked pasta before baking. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
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).