Pasta Bake Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this delectable pasta bake, featuring layers of tender pasta, savory ground meat, and a creamy marinara sauce topped with gooey melted cheese. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknights, this recipe is as easy to make as it is satisfying. Customize it with your favorite vegetables and proteins for a dish that’s sure to impress!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz short pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers or spinach
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat, breaking it apart until cooked through.
- Add chopped vegetables, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine marinara sauce with softened cream cheese until smooth.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with the meat mixture and creamy sauce until well combined.
- Transfer half of the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese. Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top and finish with another layer of cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg