Cheesy Easy Cavatini Venison Optional
Dive into the ultimate comfort meal with Cheesy Easy Cavatini, a hearty baked pasta dish that's bursting with layers of robust flavor and melty cheese. Featuring tender cavatappi pasta, a savory marinara base, and optional venison or ground beef for a smoky twist, this versatile recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Enhanced with sautéed onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, and a touch of pepperoni for a meaty, zesty kick, every bite is a symphony of flavor. Topped with gooey mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and perfectly baked until golden, this one-pan masterpiece is as simple as it is satisfying. Quick to prep and customizable with your favorite ingredients, this cheesy cavatini is a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a crisp side salad.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces cavatappi pasta
- 1 pound ground beef or venison (optional)
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 medium, diced green bell pepper
- 1 cup sliced button mushrooms
- 28 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 2 cups, shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup, shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cavatappi pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Sauté the diced onion, minced garlic, diced green bell pepper, and mushrooms until softened, about 5 minutes.
If using ground beef or venison, add it to the skillet along with the salt and black pepper. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
Stir in the marinara sauce, pepperoni slices, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce mixture. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly.
Transfer half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the layer. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Remove the cavatini from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy the cheesy goodness served with a fresh side salad or garlic bread!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4209 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 283.6 g | 364% | |
| Saturated Fat | 114.3 g | 572% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 808 mg | 270% | |
| Sodium | 9905 mg | 431% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 177.0 g | 64% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.5 g | 70% | |
| Total Sugars | 33.0 g | ||
| Protein | 231.0 g | 462% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 2301 mg | 177% | |
| Iron | 24.2 mg | 134% | |
| Potassium | 3349 mg | 71% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
