Ingredients and Weight:
- Rotini pasta: 1 pound (450 grams)
- Ground beef: 1 pound (450 grams)
- Onion, chopped: 1 cup
- Green bell pepper, chopped: 1 cup
- Red bell pepper, chopped: 1 cup
- Mushrooms, sliced: 8 ounces (225 grams)
- Tomato sauce: 2 cups
- Water: 1 cup
- Italian seasoning: 1 tablespoon
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: 1 cup
- Parmesan cheese, grated: 1/2 cup
Preparation Time:
30 minutes
Cooking Time:
45-50 minutes
Difficulty Level:
2 (Simple)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add chopped onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and mushrooms to the skillet with ground beef. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in tomato sauce, water, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, ground beef mixture, and mozzarella cheese. Stir to combine.
- Transfer mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving (1/8 of recipe):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15 grams
- Protein: 25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
Dish Characteristics:
- Creamy and flavorful
- Loaded with vegetables
- Perfect for a family-style meal
User Comments:
- "This is the best pasta bake I've ever had!"
- "The combination of flavors is amazing."
- "It's so easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser."
- "I love that it's a one-dish meal."
- "I highly recommend this recipe!"
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Do not overcook the pasta, as it will become mushy.
- If you don't have tomato sauce on hand, you can use diced tomatoes with Italian seasoning.
- You can add other vegetables to the dish, such as zucchini, squash, or spinach.
- Serve pasta bake with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
