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Beefed Up Italian Style Pasta Bake Recipe

This hearty Beefed Up Italian Style Pasta Bake is a family favorite! Tender beef cubes simmer in a rich tomato sauce, then mingle with perfectly cooked pasta, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella. Double the recipe and bake in two smaller dishes for a delicious meal tonight and a freezer-ready portion for another night! Get ready for rave reviews – this one's a keeper.

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 90 mins
Calories 389.8 kcal
Protein 35g
Rating 4.0 (1 Reviews)
Beefed Up Italian Style Pasta Bake 21

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Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Beefed Up Italian Style Pasta Bake

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How to Make Beefed Up Italian Style Pasta Bake

  1. In a large bowl, combine 1.5 lbs beef cubes, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp black pepper. Toss to coat.
  2. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the seasoned beef and cook until browned on all sides.
  4. Add 1 large onion, chopped, and cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
  5. Stir in 28 oz can crushed tomatoes, 15 oz can tomato sauce, 1 tsp salt, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp dried basil, 1 tsp Italian seasoning.
  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, or until beef is very tender.
  7. If sauce is not thickened after 1 hour, remove the lid and simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until desired consistency is reached.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  9. While the sauce simmers, cook 1 lb pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape) according to package directions in 3 quarts of boiling salted water.
  10. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  11. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  12. Grease two 9x13 inch casserole dishes (or one large one).
  13. Gently stir the cooked pasta into the thickened beef sauce.
  14. Add 15 oz ricotta cheese and gently fold it into the pasta mixture.
  15. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish(es).
  16. Top with 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese.
  17. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

99 g

Sugar

33g

Fat

29g

Carbs

16g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Main Courses Main Dish / Dinner Beef & Red Meat European Italian The Americas American Game Day Recipes Baking

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

Time To Make Course Preparation Main Dish One Dish Meal 4 Hours Or Less