Rotini pasta bake is a recipe I came up with on accident, and it quickly became a family favorite and easy go to. This recipe is nice also because you can change it up however it works for you. In addition to being cheap and easy, I like to make it as it uses my pantry/freezer staples of homegrown ground beef, pasta, my canned tomato sauce and my fresh herbs. The only thing I may need to buy is the pasta and cheese. This is a perfect recipe for a make ahead meal you can put in the fridge or straight to the freezer for later.
Additions/Substitutions
There are many ways this recipe can be switched up depending on what you have/works for you. First, the pasta can also be penne, if you can’t find rotini, whole grain pasta, or gluten free can also work. Second, the pasta sauce can be whatever kind you like. I usually use my home made canned sauce but there are many store options that are great. Third, the cheese can be any good melting cheese that is shredded. This can include mozzarella, parmesan, Romano, Gruyere, or Asiago. Fourth, the meat can be any ground meat you like. I have made this with ground pork, beef, venison, and turkey, all work. Our beef is not lean but if you have/like lean ground meat that is fine. Finally, the herbs, onion and garlic can be fresh chopped or dried, both tastes good, again depending on what you have.
Rotini Pasta Bake
| Servings: | Prep Time: | Cook Time: |
| 6 | 15 min | 30 min |
Ingredients
- 1 Box Rotini pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 24oz jar of Pasta sauce
- 1 package Italian blend shredded cheese
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 Tbsp minced onion or 1/4 cup chopped fresh onion
- 1 tsp minced dried garlic or 1/2 Tbsp fresh minced garlic
Make it
- Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions.
- In a large saucepan, add the beef, and cook on medium heat until browned, then drain grease if needed.
- Add the onion and garlic to the cooked beef and cook 2-3 minutes.
- Next add the pasta sauce and Italian seasoning, to the cooked meat, and stir.
- In an ungreased 9×13 pan add the cooked/drained pasta, meat mixture, and 1/2 the package of cheese, and mix well.
6. Add the rest of the cheese to the top of the pasta/meat sauce mixture.
7. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned and enjoy.