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!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

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)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

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.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 6

Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, reducing the heat to low.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef and marinara sauce mixture. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 8

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.

Step 9

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.

Step 10

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top layer for extra flavor.

Step 11

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.

Step 12

Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil, if desired, before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1886.3 grams (1886.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2835

Total Fat 168.90g	217%
Saturated Fat 72.60g	363%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 522mg	174%
Sodium 5729mg	249%
Total Carbohydrate 149.90g	55%
Dietary Fiber 14.50g	52%
Total Sugars 22.10g
Protein 176.10g	352%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2242mg	172%
Iron 12mg	67%
Potassium 1475mg	31%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.8%

Protein: 24.9%

Carbs: 21.2%