Cavatini Pasta

Total Time Prep: 30 min. + simmering Bake: 35 min.

Yield 14 servings

Test Kitchen Approved

A meaty, cheesy pasta bake loaded with bold flavors and ready to dazzle the hungriest crowd.

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef
2 medium onions, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups water
1 can (12 ounces) tomato paste
1 can (4 ounces) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
1 package (3-1/2 ounces) sliced pepperoni
2 envelopes spaghetti sauce mix
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
PASTA:
8 cups water
1 cup each uncooked elbow macaroni, bow tie pasta and medium pasta shells
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Directions

In a Dutch oven, cook the beef, onions and pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the water, tomato paste, mushrooms, pepperoni, sauce mix and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour.
Meanwhile, for pasta, bring water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add macaroni and pastas. Return to a boil, stirring occasionally. Cook, uncovered, for 10-12 minutes or until tender; drain. Stir into tomato sauce. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish (dish will be full).
Bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 377 calories, 18g fat (8g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 903mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.

This cavatini recipe has been in my family as long as I can remember, and it is still a favorite. I love to make it when we have company; it's always a hit —Russ Palmer, Saranac, Michigan

Recipe Creator