Italian Macaroni Pasta Bake
Melted Cheese, Savoury Ground Beef, and Perfectly Cooked Macaroni. Can’t get much easier than that.
Per Serving
Ingredients
- 450 grams 1 pound lean ground beef (alternative: ground turkey or ground chicken)
- 1 small onion chopped (about 1/2 cup or 120 grams)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 14.5 ounces or 411 grams diced tomatoes
- 1 can 6 ounces or 170 grams tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups 200 grams cooked macaroni
- 1 1/2 cups 150 grams shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup 25 grams grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked macaroni, followed by half of the meat sauce. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the meat sauce. Repeat the layers.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, before serving.
Notes
Pasta Bake Variations, Ingredients, and Substitutes
Intro: When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the satisfying goodness of a Pasta Bake. This classic recipe is a crowd-pleaser, offering a harmonious blend of savory beef, tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and ooey-gooey cheese. In this blog, we’ll delve into the world of this beloved dish, exploring its variations, individual ingredients, and offering some handy substitutes for those times when your pantry might be missing a key component.
Variations for the recipe
Variety is the spice of life, and the same goes for your culinary adventures. Here are some delicious variations on this classic recipe:
- Mushroom Lovers’ Delight: For an earthy twist, sauté sliced mushrooms and garlic until they’re golden brown. Mix them into the meat sauce for a delightful umami flavour in the recipe.
- Three Cheese Extravaganza: While mozzarella and Parmesan are traditional choices, don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheeses like provolone, Gruyère, or even a sprinkle of blue cheese for a bolder taste.
- Herb Garden Sensation: Enhance the dish’s flavour profile by adding fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme to the sauce. A handful of fresh herbs can elevate your meal to gourmet status.
- Spicy Kick: If you crave a little heat, add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the meat sauce. This variation transforms your Pasta Bake into a spicy delight.
Spotlight on Individual Ingredients
Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that make this recipe so irresistible:
Ground Beef:
Ground beef is the star of this dish. Opt for lean or extra-lean varieties for a healthier meal. If you prefer a lighter version, consider substituting with ground turkey or chicken in your Pasta Bake.
Pasta:
Pasta’s versatile shapes can add unique textures to your Pasta Bake. You can experiment with other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli for a unique twist in the recipe.
Tomatoes:
Tomatoes are essential for creating a rich, flavourful sauce in your Pasta Bake. If you have fresh tomatoes on hand, blanch, peel, and chop them to create a homemade tomato base for the recipe. Alternatively, use canned tomato sauce for a smoother texture.
Cheese:
Cheese brings that gooey, delicious quality to your Pasta Bake. Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, but you can explore other options like Gouda, cheddar, Swiss, or even feta to add intriguing flavours to your recipe.
Herbs and Spices:
A combination of dried basil and oregano is the traditional choice for the recipe, but don’t shy away from experimentation. Fresh herbs like rosemary or sage can add depth and complexity to the sauce in your Pasta Bake.
Handy Ingredient Substitutes
Sometimes, the ingredient you need isn’t readily available. No worries—here are some handy substitutes for common components of a Pasta Bake:
- Tomato Paste: In a pinch, substitute tomato paste with tomato sauce or ketchup for sweetness and acidity in your Pasta Bake.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Swap mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for a slightly different flavor profile in your Pasta Bake.
- Beef: Ground pork, turkey, or plant-based meat alternatives are excellent substitutes for beef in your Pasta Bake.
- Pasta: Any short pasta like penne, rotini, or even spaghetti broken into smaller pieces can stand in for macaroni in your Pasta Bake.
- Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or a similar hard cheese can replace Parmesan in your Pasta Bake.
In conclusion, the Pasta Bake is a versatile and comforting dish that welcomes experimentation. Whether you’re adding herbs, spices, or switching out ingredients, the possibilities are endless. So go ahead, make it your own, and relish every mouthful of this delicious classic. Happy cooking!
Try our Cherry Soda recipe for a great beverage to accompany your meal.
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