Description: This Beefy Mushroom Marsala Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the richness of a Marsala wine sauce with the heartiness of ground beef and earthy mushrooms. Baked to golden perfection with pasta and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, it’s an ideal dish for a family dinner or a potluck gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry Marsala wine
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cubed
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is ready for baking the pasta evenly.
Step 2: Cook the rigatoni pasta. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Adding salt to the water seasons the pasta from the inside out. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Al dente means the pasta should be firm to the bite, not mushy. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside. This will prevent the pasta bake from becoming soggy.
Step 3: Brown the ground beef. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and brown the ground beef. Ensure the beef is cooked through and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. Removing the excess grease will result in a healthier and more flavorful dish.
Step 4: Sauté the vegetables. Add the diced onion and sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook until the onions become translucent and the mushrooms soften, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme. Cook for another minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. This step adds depth of flavor to the dish.
Step 5: Deglaze the pan. Pour in the Marsala wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits. This process, called deglazing, adds a rich, complex flavor to the sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the alcohol cooks off slightly. Simmering the wine removes the harsh alcohol taste, leaving behind the nuanced flavors of the Marsala.
Step 6: Make the sauce. Stir in the all-purpose flour until smooth. This will act as a thickening agent for the sauce. Gradually whisk in the beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor) until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Step 7: Combine the ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, beef mixture, and Marsala sauce. Stir well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 8: Transfer to a baking dish. Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Greasing the dish prevents the pasta bake from sticking.
Step 9: Add the cheese. Top with the cubed mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Distribute the cheese evenly for a perfect cheesy topping.
Step 10: Bake. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Keep an eye on the pasta bake to prevent the cheese from burning.
Step 11: Garnish and serve. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. The fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Serve hot and enjoy!
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Beefy Mushroom Marsala Pasta Bake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for many reasons:
- Comforting Flavors: The combination of rich Marsala wine sauce, savory ground beef, and earthy mushrooms creates a warm and inviting flavor profile that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
- Easy to Make: Despite its sophisticated taste, this recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare. Most of the work involves browning the beef, sautéing the vegetables, and making the sauce – all straightforward steps that even beginner cooks can master.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This pasta bake can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Try adding other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, or substitute the ground beef with Italian sausage.
- Satisfying and Filling: The combination of pasta, meat, and cheese makes this dish incredibly satisfying and filling. It’s a hearty meal that will keep you feeling full and content.
- Elevated Yet Accessible: The use of Marsala wine elevates this pasta bake beyond your typical weeknight dinner, but the ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores. It’s a dish that feels special without being overly complicated.
- Perfect for Leftovers: If you happen to have any leftovers, they reheat beautifully. The flavors meld together even more overnight, making it just as delicious (if not more so) the next day.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: 4/5 (Relatively easy)
- Flavor: 5/5 (Excellent)
- Overall: 4.5/5 (Highly Recommended)
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta bake.
- Garlic bread: A classic pairing for pasta dishes, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious Marsala sauce.
- Roasted vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts would complement the flavors of the pasta bake beautifully.
- A glass of red wine: A medium-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Merlot, pairs well with the Marsala sauce and beef.
- Dessert: Finish the meal with a light dessert, such as a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a slice of tiramisu.
Tips:
- Use high-quality Marsala wine: The quality of the Marsala wine will significantly impact the flavor of the sauce. Opt for a dry Marsala wine for the best results.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the bake. Cook the rigatoni until al dente.
- Grate your own cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts more evenly and has a better flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
- Adjust the seasonings to your liking: Taste the sauce and adjust the salt, pepper, and thyme to suit your preferences.
- Let it rest: Allow the pasta bake to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to set slightly and make it easier to slice.
- Add some heat: For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Use different cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses, such as provolone or fontina, for a different flavor profile.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and add more mushrooms or other vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- Add fresh herbs: In addition to parsley, try adding other fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano, for extra flavor.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Estimates can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)
- Calories: 550-650 per serving
- Protein: 30-40 grams per serving
- Sodium: 700-900 mg per serving
Conclusion:
The Beefy Mushroom Marsala Pasta Bake is a satisfying, flavorful, and relatively easy-to-make dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. The combination of savory ground beef, earthy mushrooms, and a rich Marsala wine sauce, all baked to golden perfection with pasta and cheese, makes for a truly comforting meal. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner option or something special to serve to guests, this recipe is a winner. The ability to customize the ingredients to your liking and the potential to make it ahead of time only add to its appeal. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a truly delicious and unforgettable pasta bake! This dish is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a delightful culinary experience to share with loved ones. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined with a touch of creativity and care, can create something truly extraordinary. Bon appétit!
Questions and Answers about This Recipe:
Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the entire pasta bake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if necessary. Make sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven to ensure even baking.
Q2: Can I substitute the Marsala wine with something else?
A: If you don’t have Marsala wine on hand, you can substitute it with dry sherry or a dry red wine like Pinot Noir or Merlot. Alternatively, you can use beef broth with a splash of balsamic vinegar to mimic the rich, slightly sweet flavor of Marsala. However, keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.
Q3: Can I use different types of pasta?
A: Yes, you can use other types of pasta such as penne, ziti, or rotini. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente according to package directions. Shorter pasta shapes work best in baked pasta dishes because they hold the sauce well.
Q4: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
A: Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, zucchini, or peas to the pasta bake. Sauté the vegetables along with the onions and mushrooms. Adding extra veggies not only increases the nutritional value but also adds more flavor and texture to the dish.
Q5: How do I prevent the pasta bake from becoming dry?
A: To prevent the pasta bake from becoming dry, make sure to use enough sauce to coat the pasta evenly. You can also add a layer of cheese sauce or a drizzle of olive oil before baking. Covering the baking dish with foil during the first half of the baking time can also help to retain moisture.
