Twisty Beef Bake
Get ready to savor comfort food at its best with this hearty Twisty Beef Bake! Packed with tender spiral pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich marinara sauce seasoned with aromatic garlic, onion, and Italian herbs, this baked dish is a crowd-pleaser that'll have everyone coming back for seconds. Topped with gooey melted mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, it's baked to golden perfection for a meal that's equal parts indulgent and satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this 45-minute recipe is as easy to make as it is delicious. For an added touch of freshness, finish with a sprinkle of chopped basil before serving. Whether you're feeding a crowd or planning leftovers, this cheesy pasta bake delivers comforting flavors in every bite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spiral pasta (fusilli or rotini)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spiral pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, reducing the heat to low.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef and marinara sauce mixture. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly.
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a thin layer of olive oil or non-stick spray. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the dish.
Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta layer. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top layer for extra flavor.
Cover the baking dish with 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 golden and bubbly.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil, if desired, before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
499 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.2 g | 39% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.8 g | 64% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 84 mg | 28% | |
| Sodium | 886 mg | 39% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 25.7 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.6 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.2 g | ||
| Protein | 29.5 g | 59% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 379 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 221 mg | 5% | |
*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.
