Roman Holiday Bake
A hearty baked pasta dish featuring savory ground beef, spicy Italian sausage, rich cheese soup, and melted Cheddar, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef, then add the sliced Italian sausage and chopped onion with crushed oregano and cook until done.
- Stir to separate the meat, using shortening if necessary, then pour off excess fat.
- Add cheese soup, tomato soup, and water to the meat mixture, stirring well.
- Combine the meat mixture with the cooked wide noodles.
- Pour the mixture into a 2-quart shallow baking dish (12 x 8 x 2 inches). Cover with a lid or foil.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F to 400°F for 40 minutes or until hot.
- Remove from oven, top with halved Cheddar cheese slices.
- Bake until the cheese melts and is bubbly.
- Serve hot. Makes about 7 cups.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting ground turkey for the beef and using reduced-fat cheese soup. You can also add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to enhance flavor and nutrition. If you prefer a little kick, try adding crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. This dish is great for meal prep, as it can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables for a nutritious balance. For additional flavor, top with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. It also makes a great carry-along dish for potlucks or gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power until warmed through, about 3-5 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Roman Holiday Bake contains roughly 861 calories, with 42g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (156% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (102% of the Daily Value), and calcium (102% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 559mg per serving (24% 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 instead of wide noodles?
Yes, you can substitute wide noodles with other pasta shapes like penne or rotini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose, ensuring it's cooked al dente before mixing it with the meat sauce.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef and sausage with a plant-based meat substitute or lentils for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of water and add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added flavor and texture.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to bake, remove the cover and allow an extra 10-15 minutes for cooking time as it will be cold from refrigeration.
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).