Quick Cavatini Supreme
A hearty and cheesy pasta bake combining spirals, tubes, and wheels with savory ground beef, vegetables, and melted mozzarella, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 small pkg. rotini macaroni (spirals)
- 1 small pkg. mostaccioli macaroni (tubes) ⓘ
- 1 small pkg. wheels macaroni ⓘ
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- sliced mushrooms (fresh or canned) ⓘ
- pepperoni slices (optional)
- 1 large jar spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 1 pkg. mozzarella cheese, grated ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta together according to package instructions, then rinse in cold water and drain.
- In a large saucepan, brown the ground beef, then drain excess fat.
- Add spaghetti sauce, chopped onions, chopped green pepper, sliced mushrooms, and pepperoni slices to the beef.
- Simmer the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Pour the cooked pasta into a baking dish.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the pasta.
- Mix only slightly; do not stir thoroughly.
- Cover the top with grated mozzarella cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly, about 15 minutes.
- Let set for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, use pre-cooked pasta or frozen vegetables, which can save time. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. You can also use a low-sodium spaghetti sauce to reduce salt intake. For a vegetarian option, consider omitting the meat and adding more mushrooms and spinach. This dish is versatile, so feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or pasta.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Quick Cavatini Supreme with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. It's also great paired with a side of steamed vegetables for added nutrition. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside Party Pizzas(Snack) as a side dish for a casual gathering. This hearty dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring occasionally, until hot. You can also freeze the dish for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Cavatini Supreme contains roughly 546 calories, with 14g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (28% of the Daily Value) and vitamin D (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 869mg per serving (38% 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! You can substitute any pasta shape you have on hand, such as penne or fusilli. Just ensure that the cooking time is adjusted based on the pasta type you choose. This flexibility allows you to personalize the dish while keeping it delicious and satisfying.
What can I add to make it spicier?
To add some heat to Quick Cavatini Supreme, consider mixing in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce mixture. You could also use a spicy spaghetti sauce or add hot Italian sausage instead of ground beef for an extra kick. Adjust the spiciness to your taste preference for a customized meal.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time! Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great option for meal prep or for hosting gatherings, allowing you to save time on the day of serving.
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).