Baked Cavatini

Baked Cavatini

8 servings
Baked Cavatini is a hearty pasta dish filled with three types of pasta, tomato meat sauce, pepperoni, and topped with cheese and more pepperoni.

Ingredients

  • uncooked short pasta

    i used rigate, casarecce, and shells

    12 oz
  • ground beef
    ½ lb
  • marinara sauce
    5 c
  • sliced pepperoni

    divided

    6 oz
  • shredded mozzarella cheese
    12 oz
  • grated parmesan cheese
    3 oz

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly coat the inside of a 3 quart casserole dish with olive oil (or other cooking oil).

  2. 2

    Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and return to the pot or place in a large bowl.

  3. 3

    While the pasta is cooking, brown ground beef in a medium saucepan. Break it up with a spoon or spatula while browning to crumble it. Drain grease from beef and return to saucepan.

  4. 4

    Add marinara sauce to the beef and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

  5. 5

    Pour meat sauce over cooked pasta. Add most of the pepperoni, reserving some slices for the top. Stir until combined. Transfer mixture to prepared casserole dish and spread evenly in the dish.

  6. 6

    Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over pasta mixture. Sprinkle parmesan over mozzarella. Place remaining slices of pepperoni on top.

  7. 7

    Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it begins to bubble and the cheese has melted and is lightly brown on the edges.

Baked Cavatini

Baked Cavatini

50 min8 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving a deeply satisfying, comforting meal that brings everyone to the table? This Baked Cavatini delivers on every front, offering a hearty pasta bake loaded with savory flavors and rich textures.

Why This Recipe Works

This Baked Cavatini stands out thanks to its thoughtful combination of components. Featuring three distinct types of short pasta, it creates a wonderfully varied texture in every bite, preventing any mushiness often found in single-pasta bakes. The rich tomato meat sauce, coupled with generous layers of pepperoni and a duo of cheeses, ensures a flavor explosion that feels both familiar and indulgent.

What to Expect

Prepare for a truly comforting experience. You'll find tender pasta enveloped in a savory, robust meat sauce, punctuated by the slightly spicy, salty kick of pepperoni. The top layer of mozzarella and parmesan melts into a glorious golden crust, with extra pepperoni crisping up beautifully, adding a delightful chew. This main course is designed to serve eight, making it perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends, leaving everyone feeling completely satisfied and happy.

Customization & Variations

While this recipe shines as is, feel free to make it your own. The recipe specifies using rigatoni, casarecce, and shells, but you can confidently use any combination of short pasta shapes you have on hand. For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce, or stir in some finely chopped onions and bell peppers for extra vegetables. You can also adjust the amount of sliced pepperoni to suit your preference, whether you like a mild hint or a bold burst of flavor throughout.

Serving & Context

Baked Cavatini is the quintessential dish for cozy evenings or bustling potlucks, requiring minimal fuss for a maximum comfort payoff. Serve it alongside a simple green salad to cut through the richness, or with some crusty garlic bread to sop up every last drop of that delicious sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions