Cavatelli-An Italian Mealtime Favorite

Cavatelli is another casserole favorite in my family. I like to prep meals for the week ahead of time when meetings and kids activities keep us on the run. This casserole can be thrown together ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator until you need it.

Cavatelli

1-16oz. package jumbo shell pasta
1lb. ground Italian sausage
1lb. ground beef
48oz. (3lb.) jar spaghetti sauce– Prego Traditional is our favorite
8oz. jar taco sauce
2 tsp. Italian seasoning
16oz. shredded mozzarella (1/2 in casserole, 1/2 on top)

Cook the pasta, brown the meat, and then mix all the ingredients together. Put cheese on the top, and bake at 400 degrees for 20-30 minutes. If you refrigerate before baking it will need to bake longer- maybe 45 minutes.

I’m always looking for new recipe ideas, share your favorites with us in the comment box below!

This dish is fun to put together for a twist on the traditional spaghetti meal.

Spaghetti in a Pie

Pie Shell:
8 oz. spaghetti
2 T. margarine
1/3 c. Parmesan cheese
2 eggs, beaten

Filling:
1 c. cottage cheese
1 c. shredded mozzarella cheese

Sauce:
1 lb. ground beef
1/2 c. chopped onion
15-1/2 oz. jar spaghetti sauce

Cook spaghetti. Drain. Stir in margarine, parmesan cheese and eggs. Form mixture into a crust in an 8×8″ pan. Cook in microwave uncovered at 80-90% power for 2-3 minutes or until set.

Brown beef with onion. Stir in spaghetti sauce and simmer for 3-5 minutes.

Spread cottage cheese over crust. Fill with sauce mixture. Cook (covered) for 6-7 minutes. Top with mozzarella. Cook 1 more minute. Let stand 8-10 minutes before serving.