Name: Delectable Pasta Dish with Savory Meat and Melty Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 1 lb. ground beef or Italian sausage; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 lb. pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape); Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Spread the love

Get ready to experience the ultimate in pasta perfection with our mouthwatering recipe for a pasta dish with meat and cheese. This classic combination is a crowd-pleaser that never fails to satisfy. From the first bite to the last, you’ll be transported to a world of culinary bliss.

⭐ Recipe Perfection

What sets this pasta dish apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The savory ground meat, coupled with the rich, melted cheese, creates a harmonious melody on your palate. The pasta serves as the canvas, allowing the starring ingredients to shine. Whether you’re craving a comforting weeknight dinner or seeking to impress your guests, this recipe delivers every time.

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef or Italian sausage
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 lb. pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

The beauty of this pasta dish with meat and cheese is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of savory ground meat, tangy tomatoes, and melty cheeses creates the Italian-inspired flavor profile that has made baked pasta recipes perennially popular.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the can of crushed tomatoes and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 6: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
Step 7: Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 8: Bake the pasta dish for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 9: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.

Timing Overview

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 40 minutes
• Total time: 55 minutes

Compared to traditional baked ziti or lasagna, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this pasta dish with meat and cheese saves you 10% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 470
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 830mg

These pasta dishes with meat and cheese provide approximately 60% of your daily protein requirements and 20% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.

🍃 Healthy Swaps & Substitutions

• Reduced-fat option: Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef, and opt for reduced-fat mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
• Lower-carb version: Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce the carb content.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses with dairy-free alternatives, such as cashew or almond-based cheese.
• Added protein: Incorporate cooked lentils or chickpeas to boost the protein content.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat sauce for extra nutrition.

These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the pasta dish.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a fresh garden salad and garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
• Pair the pasta dish with a light, crisp white wine or a bold red for an elegant pairing.
• Complement the dish with a simple Caesar salad or a hearty minestrone soup for a well-rounded dining experience.

⚠️ Cooking Pitfalls to Skip

• Overcooking the pasta: Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it will become mushy and lose its texture in the baking process.
• Insufficient sauce: Make sure to use enough sauce to coat the pasta evenly, preventing it from drying out in the oven.
• Uneven cheese distribution: Distribute the cheese toppings evenly to ensure every bite is cheesy and delicious.

🔒 Storage & Leftovers

These pasta dishes with meat and cheese retain their quality remarkably well:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover pasta dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing unbaked: Assemble the pasta dish, cover with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Freezing baked: Allow the baked pasta dish to cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.

🗣️ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pasta dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for make-ahead meals. You can assemble the entire dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed.

Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef or Italian sausage with other ground meats, such as ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles, depending on your preferences and dietary needs.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this pasta dish dairy-free, replace the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses with your favorite non-dairy alternatives, such as cashew-based or almond-based cheese products. These are widely available in most grocery stores.

What if my pasta turns out dry in the oven?

If you find that your pasta has become too dry in the oven, simply add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta cooking water or marinara sauce to the dish before baking. This will help to rehydrate the pasta and prevent it from drying out.

Can I add extra vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! This pasta dish is very versatile, and you can easily incorporate additional vegetables, such as diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach, to boost the nutritional value and add more texture and flavor.

🎉 Final Thoughts

These delectable pasta dishes with savory meat and melty cheese represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a comforting weeknight dinner or an impressive main course for your next gathering, they’re sure to impress with their irresistible aroma and satisfying texture.

With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe demonstrates that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly. So why wait? Dive into the world of pasta perfection and enjoy the comfort and delight of this irresistible dish.