Lamb Pasta Casserole
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this comforting and flavor-packed Lamb Pasta Casserole, a delicious twist on classic baked pasta dishes. Featuring tender ground lamb, al dente penne pasta, and a robust tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices like oregano, thyme, and paprika, this recipe offers a warm and hearty meal that's perfect for family gatherings or meal prepping. Layers of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses melt into gooey perfection, creating a golden crust that’s irresistible. With just 20 minutes of prep time and easy-to-follow steps, this baked casserole is both satisfying and foolproof. Garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness, this savory dish is sure to become a comforting favorite in your dinner rotation. Perfect for lovers of Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, this Lamb Pasta Casserole bridges bold flavors with cheesy indulgence in every bite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 units garlic cloves, minced
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the ground lamb to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat, if needed.
Stir the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, thyme, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper into the skillet with the lamb. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the lamb sauce and mix well to combine.
Pour half of the lamb and pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 3/4 cup of Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the mixture.
Add the remaining lamb and pasta mixture on top. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese over the top layer.
Cover the 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 melted and bubbly.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
581 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 34.0 g | 44% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.3 g | 81% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 112 mg | 37% | |
| Sodium | 1239 mg | 54% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 31.1 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.6 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.6 g | ||
| Protein | 41.6 g | 83% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 541 mg | 42% | |
| Iron | 2.9 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 792 mg | 17% | |
*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.
