Description
Cheesy Baked Rotini with Meat Sauce
Caption: A comforting and cheesy pasta bake that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep!
Ingredients:
For the pasta:
12 oz rotini pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
For the meat sauce:
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups marinara sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the topping:
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Prepare the meat sauce:
In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Assemble the pasta bake:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Transfer to a baking dish or foil tray.
Add the cheese topping:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and enjoy:
Let the pasta cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
This cheesy baked rotini is the ultimate comfort food, loaded with flavor and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect results every time. First, ensure your oven rack is in the center position and preheat to 375°F (190°C). For the pasta, heavily salt the boiling water—it should taste like the sea—and cook the rotini just shy of al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. While the pasta cooks, brown the ground beef in a large skillet, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain any excess fat before adding the onion and garlic. Let the assembled bake rest for 8-10 minutes after removing it from the oven; this allows the sauce to set for cleaner serving.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides to balance its richness. Serve with a crisp Caesar salad or a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread or soft, warm dinner rolls are perfect for scooping up any extra sauce. For a complete meal prep, divide the bake into single-serving containers alongside steamed green beans or roasted broccoli.
How-to Summary
In summary: cook pasta, brown beef with aromatics, simmer with sauce, combine pasta and sauce in a dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F until bubbly. The key steps are undercooking the pasta slightly and letting the bake rest before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the dish completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes. Penne, rigatoni, or ziti are excellent substitutes as their shapes hold sauce well.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian? Replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground alternative or a cup of cooked lentils. Sautéed mushrooms also add great umami flavor.
What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the entire dish covered with foil in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Can I freeze the baked rotini? Yes. Cool completely, wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta: This leads to a mushy final bake. Always cook to just al dente.
- Not draining excess fat from the beef: This can make the sauce greasy.
- Using pre-shredded bagged cheese: These contain anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. For best results, shred cheese from a block.
- Skipping the rest time: Cutting into the bake immediately will cause it to fall apart. Let it set.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Baked Rotini with Meat Sauce is a timeless, crowd-pleasing dish that masterfully combines simplicity with deep, satisfying flavor. It’s incredibly versatile for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a perfectly textured, gooey, and comforting pasta bake that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s the epitome of hearty, homemade comfort food.