Cheesy Baked Penne Primavera
Indulge in this hearty and satisfying Cheesy Baked Penne Primavera, a delightful casserole bursting with flavor and topped with a generous layer of gooey melted cheese. This comforting dish combines al dente penne pasta with a medley of sautéed vegetables, ground beef, and a robust garden-style spaghetti sauce, perfect for a cozy family dinner or gathering with friends. The best part? You can customize the veggies and adjust the spices according to your taste. Enjoy this dish straight from the oven, where it emerges bubbling and golden, ready to please both kids and adults alike!
6
Servings
400
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
penne rigate
6 ounces (dry)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
yellow onion
1/2 medium (diced)
mushrooms
1-2 cups (sliced)
garlic cloves
2-3 (minced)
ground beef
1/3 pound (raw)
dried basil
2 teaspoons (to taste)
dried thyme
1 pinch (to taste)
dried parsley
2 teaspoons (to taste)
dried oregano
2 teaspoons (to taste)
black pepper
1 dash (to taste)
garden-style spaghetti sauce
24 ounces (ready-made)
mozzarella cheese or cheddar cheese
2-3 cups (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions, ensuring it's al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onion is translucent and the mushrooms are tender. Remove the mixture from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
4
In the same skillet, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Sprinkle in the dried basil, thyme, parsley, oregano, and black pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
5
Lower the heat and return the onion and mushroom mixture to the skillet. Stir in the garden-style spaghetti sauce, letting it simmer on low for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne with the meat and sauce mixture. Mix well until the pasta is evenly coated.
7
Transfer the pasta mixture into a 13x9x2-inch shallow baking dish. Top generously with shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-45 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
48g
Carbs
22g
Protein
3g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Baked Penne Primavera?
It is a hearty casserole combining al dente penne pasta with sautéed vegetables, ground beef, and garden-style spaghetti sauce, topped with melted cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What type of pasta is required for this dish?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of dry penne rigate pasta.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the penne take to bake?
The dish should be baked for 30-45 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What kind of cheese is best for the topping?
You can use 2-3 cups of either shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese.
How much ground beef is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 1/3 pound of raw ground beef.
What vegetables are included in the primavera mix?
The recipe includes yellow onion and 1-2 cups of sliced mushrooms.
What herbs are used to season the meat?
The meat is seasoned with dried basil, dried thyme, dried parsley, and dried oregano.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 13x9x2-inch shallow baking dish is recommended.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 22 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 13 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 48 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber does this recipe provide?
The recipe provides 3 grams of fiber per serving.
How long should I sauté the onion and mushrooms?
Sauté the onion, garlic, and mushrooms for 5-7 minutes until the onion is translucent.
Should the pasta be fully cooked before baking?
The pasta should be cooked until it is al dente before being combined with other ingredients.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The garden-style spaghetti sauce should simmer with the meat and vegetables for 10-15 minutes.
How much spaghetti sauce is needed?
The recipe calls for 24 ounces of ready-made garden-style spaghetti sauce.
What is the preparation for the garlic cloves?
The 2-3 garlic cloves should be minced.
How much olive oil is required?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used for sautéing.
Can I adjust the spices in this recipe?
Yes, the description notes that you can adjust the spices and customize the veggies according to your taste.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-dish meal and a comfort food.
How long should the dish cool after baking?
Allow the dish to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
How much dried basil is used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of dried basil.
How much dried oregano is used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of dried oregano.
What should I do with excess fat from the ground beef?
You should drain any excess fat after the beef has browned.
How much dried parsley is required?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of dried parsley.
What type of onion is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1/2 of a medium yellow onion, diced.
Is this dish suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a family-friendly meal that is ready to please both kids and adults.