Savory Lamb Ricotta Pasta Bake
This Savory Lamb Ricotta Pasta Bake is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. It transforms humble ingredients into a deliciously satisfying meal that highlights the rich flavors of ground lamb blended with aromatic onion and garlic. The creamy texture of ricotta cheese paired with the earthy notes of oregano and the savory essence of golden mushroom soup marries beautifully with al dente pasta. This recipe is not only a wonderful way to utilize leftover ricotta, but it also provides an opportunity to switch things up with ground beef, if desired. With minimal prep and one-dish convenience, it's ideal for busy weeknights!
6
Servings
350
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground lamb
3/4 lb (raw)
chopped onion
1/8 cup (raw)
garlic
1 clove (chopped)
condensed golden mushroom soup
10 1/2 ounces (canned)
water
1/4 cup (liquid)
oregano
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
pasta (spaghetti or other)
8 ounces (cooked and drained)
butter
1/8 cup (melted)
Parmesan cheese
1/8 cup (grated)
ricotta cheese
1/2 cup (softened)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare a 9 x 13-inch baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray.
3
In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, sauté the ground lamb with chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the lamb is browned and the onions are tender, about 10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
4
Stir in the condensed golden mushroom soup, water, oregano, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5
While the lamb mixture simmers, cook your pasta according to package instructions. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
6
Add melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese to the cooked pasta, tossing to combine evenly.
7
Fold in the lamb mixture along with the ricotta cheese, mixing gently until well incorporated.
8
Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to crisp the top.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
33.3g
Carbs
18.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Lamb Ricotta Pasta Bake?
It is a comforting and hearty casserole featuring ground lamb, ricotta cheese, and golden mushroom soup mixed with pasta.
Can I substitute the ground lamb?
Yes, you can easily switch the ground lamb for ground beef if preferred.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 9 x 13-inch baking dish is recommended.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How much ground lamb is needed?
The recipe requires 3/4 lb of ground lamb.
What type of soup is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses one 10.5-ounce can of condensed golden mushroom soup.
How long does it take to brown the lamb and onions?
It takes about 10 minutes over medium-high heat until the lamb is browned and onions are tender.
Do I need to drain the fat from the meat?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat after browning the lamb, onion, and garlic.
How long should the lamb mixture simmer?
Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes after adding the soup and seasonings.
What seasonings are added to the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with oregano, salt, and pepper.
What type of pasta works best for this bake?
Spaghetti is suggested, but you can use other pasta shapes as well.
Do I need to cook the pasta before baking?
Yes, the pasta should be cooked according to package instructions and drained before being added to the bake.
What do I mix with the cooked pasta?
Toss the cooked pasta with melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese before adding the meat mixture.
How much ricotta cheese is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of softened ricotta cheese.
How long does the dish bake in the oven?
It bakes for a total of 25-30 minutes.
Should I cover the dish while baking?
Yes, cover the dish with foil for the first 20-25 minutes.
Why do I remove the foil for the last 5 minutes?
Removing the foil at the end allows the top of the pasta bake to crisp up.
Is this recipe suitable for busy weeknights?
Yes, with minimal prep and one-dish convenience, it is ideal for weeknight dinners.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 18.7g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 15g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 33.3g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much garlic should I add?
The recipe calls for 1 clove of minced garlic.
What is the purpose of the golden mushroom soup?
It provides a savory essence and creamy base that marries the ingredients together.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, spray the dish with cooking spray before adding the ingredients.
Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried?
Yes, though the recipe specifies 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano.
How much butter is added to the pasta?
Use 1/8 cup of melted butter.
What is the amount of Parmesan cheese used?
The recipe uses 1/8 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is specifically described and tagged as a comfort food and family recipe.