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The beef and sausage pasta bake has been removed from the oven and is allowed to cool a bit before serving.
Elizabeth

Beef and Sausage Pasta Bake

Beef and sausage pasta bake is an easy weekday meal. Tender pasta, savory meat filling, a vibrant tomato sauce, and a cheesy topping- make this meal a delicious treat. This dish is simple to make and perfect for all ages.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: English
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 lb. Ground Beef
  • 1/2 lb. Mild Sausage (Ground) *Spice levels/types of ground sausage can vary based on personal preference.
  • 1/2 16 oz box Rotini noodles (dried) *8 oz dried noodles total
  • 1.5 Jars Marinara Sauce *Use two jars for an extra saucy filling.
  • 1 1/2 cups Cheese *I like to use either mozzarella or a smooth, sharp white cheddar cheese.
  • 1/4 tsp Sugar
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Basil Leaves
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes *Optional, but the flakes do give a subtle spice to the mix.

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Boil water in a medium sized saucepot and add noodles. (Cook the noodles until al dente- not too soft as they will continue to cook in the oven.)
  3. As the noodles are cooking, grate the cheese of your choosing. Set aside.
  4. In a large saucepan, brown the ground beef and the ground sausage together. Drain the fat from the cooked meat. (A little fat left in the meat is okay.)
  5. Add the spices to the meat and stir until combined.
  6. Add the marinara sauce to the seasoned meat mixture. Add the 1/4 tsp sugar (the sugar is not necessary, but I always add it to my tomato sauce to balance acidity of the tomatoes).
  7. Allow the sauce to simmer on low for 15 minutes. taste the mixture and add more seasoning/herbs if desired.
  8. Drain the cooked pasta. Add the pasta to a medium sized casserole or baking dish.
  9. Carefully pour the marinara and meat sauce over the noodles and fold the sauce in- until all noodles are coated and covered.
  10. Add the grated cheese to the top of your pasta bake.
  11. Place the pasta back in the oven (uncovered) for about 15 minutes- or until the cheese is melted and begins to brown on the edges.
  12. Allow the pasta bake to cool a few minutes before serving.

Notes

*This is a very adaptable recipe. You can leave out the sausage meat and use only beef. Equally, if you want more meat in your sauce, you can add more. For a saucier pasta bake, add more marinara sauce. Experiment with the cheese topping- or the spice level- of the dish. 
*This pasta bake is delicious served with green beans, side salad, and homemade bread and butter.
*Allow any leftovers to cool- and then cover with plastic wrap- before placing in the refrigerator.
*To reheat leftovers, you can use the microwave- or place back in a preheated oven for a few minutes until warmed through.