Cheesy Beef Cavatappi Bake with a Hint of Spice

Ingredients

- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 12 ounces cavatappi pasta
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cavatappi pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Prepare the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat.

4. Season the Beef: Stir in the salt, black pepper, chili powder, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.

5. Create the Sauce: Mix in the tomato paste and beef broth. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.

6. Combine With Cheese and Pasta: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, beef mixture, milk, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined.

7. Assemble the Dish: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

8. Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly. Garnish with sliced green onions just before serving.

Preparation & Cooking Times

- Preparation Time: PT15M
15 minutes
- Cooking Time: PT45M
45 minutes

Total Time

- PT1H
1 hour

Type of Dish

- Dinner

Keywords

- Cheesy Beef Cavatappi
- Beef Casserole
- Dinner Casserole
- Oven Baked Pasta
- Spicy Beef Bake
- Comfort Food
- Italian Inspired Casserole
- Easy Family Dinner
- Ground Beef Recipe
- Pasta Bake Recipe

Recipe Yield

- Feeds 4 adults

Calories

- 2500 calories for the entire dish

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