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Hungry Boy Three-Meat Pasta Bake Recipe

Hungry Boy Three-Meat Pasta Bake

A cheesy, saucy pasta casserole packed with ground beef, Italian sausage, and pepperoni. This family-style dinner bakes until bubbling and lightly browned, then rests briefly so each serving holds together.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce
  • 12 ounces Penne, rigatoni, or ziti
  • 24 ounces Marinara or pasta sauce
  • 14 to 15 ounces Canned diced tomatoes, undrained
Meat
  • 1 pound Lean ground beef
  • 1 pound Mild or hot Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 6 to 8 ounces Sliced pepperoni, quartered
Aromatics and Seasoning
  • 1 small Small yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon, plus more for pasta water Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
Cheese and Garnish
  • 2 cups, divided Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
  • optional Red-pepper flakes
  • optional Chopped fresh parsley

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
  2. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until it is just shy of al dente, usually about 2 minutes less than the package directions, then drain it well.
  3. Meanwhile, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks, then drain the excess fat.
  4. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the marinara, undrained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and quartered pepperoni. Simmer the sauce for 5 to 10 minutes so the flavors mingle.
  6. Combine the drained pasta with the meat sauce in a large bowl or the skillet if it is large enough. Fold in about half of the shredded mozzarella without overmixing.
  7. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan.
  8. Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling and lightly browned.
  9. Let the pasta bake rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Finish with optional red-pepper flakes or chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

Cook the pasta slightly under al dente because it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain the browned meat well to help prevent a greasy casserole, and allow the finished bake to rest before serving so portions hold together. Refrigerate leftovers promptly and reheat covered until hot.