Cheesy Baked Pasta Delight
Indulge in our Cheesy Baked Pasta Delight, a simple and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. This recipe combines perfectly cooked ziti, savory ground beef, and a rich spaghetti sauce, then topped with layers of gooey, melted Mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan for an irresistible cheesy experience. In just a few easy steps, you’ll have a delicious meal that is sure to please everyone at the table. Serve it with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete feast!
N/A
Servings
603
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pasta
16-20 ounces (cooked and drained (ziti, rigatoni, or penne))
Spaghetti Sauce
45 ounces (your choice of brand or homemade)
Ground Beef
1 lb (cooked and drained)
Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Shredded Cheese
4 cups (Mozzarella or Italian blend)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until 'al dente,' then drain and set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, spaghetti sauce, cooked ground beef, Parmesan cheese, and 2 cups of shredded Mozzarella cheese. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
4
Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
5
Top the pasta with the remaining 2 cups of shredded Mozzarella cheese, ensuring an even layer across the top.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
7
Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
28g
Fat
42g
Carbs
37g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Baked Pasta Delight?
It is a simple and satisfying pasta casserole featuring ziti, savory ground beef, spaghetti sauce, and multiple layers of melted cheese.
What type of pasta should I use?
You can use 16-20 ounces of ziti, rigatoni, or penne pasta.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake the pasta for approximately 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
How much ground beef is required?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of ground beef, which should be cooked and drained.
What kind of cheese is used?
The recipe uses 4 cups of shredded Mozzarella or an Italian blend, plus 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan.
How much spaghetti sauce is needed?
You will need 45 ounces of your favorite brand or homemade spaghetti sauce.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 603 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 37 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 28 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 42 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What size baking dish is required?
A greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish is recommended.
Should the pasta be fully cooked before baking?
The pasta should be cooked until 'al dente' according to package instructions before being mixed with other ingredients.
How much cheese goes inside the pasta mixture?
You should mix 2 cups of the shredded Mozzarella into the pasta and sauce mixture.
How much cheese goes on the top?
The remaining 2 cups of shredded Mozzarella are spread evenly across the top before baking.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, while Mozzarella is recommended, an Italian cheese blend also works well.
Is this recipe suitable for a family meal?
Yes, it is specifically described as a perfect dish for family dinners or gatherings.
What should I serve with Cheesy Baked Pasta Delight?
It is delicious when served with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete feast.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, the instructions specify pouring the mixture into a greased baking dish.
What are the main ingredients?
The five main ingredients are pasta, spaghetti sauce, ground beef, Parmesan cheese, and shredded Mozzarella.
Can I use homemade sauce?
Absolutely, the recipe allows for either a store-bought brand or your own homemade sauce.
How do I know when the pasta is done baking?
The dish is ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and has a slightly golden color.
Is this dish considered Italian cuisine?
Yes, it is tagged as Italian cuisine and categorized as a pasta casserole.
How many grams of fiber are in this recipe?
The specific fiber content for this recipe is not listed in the provided data.
Should the ground beef be drained?
Yes, the ground beef should be cooked and drained of excess fat before being added to the mix.
Can I use penne instead of ziti?
Yes, penne is a recommended substitute for ziti in this recipe.
Is this a quick dinner option?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'quick dinner' because of its simple assembly and easy steps.
Should I let the dish rest after baking?
Yes, it is recommended to let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, 'comfort food' is one of the primary tags for this cheesy pasta dish.
How much Parmesan cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.