Cavatini is a comforting, all-in-one dish that combines savory meat, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese, all baked to perfection. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Below is a complete recipe to help you prepare this delicious meal at home.
Ingredients
- For the US:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar (4 oz) mushrooms
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 pound assorted noodles
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- For Europe (Metric):
- 450 grams ground beef
- 115 grams mushrooms
- 425 grams tomato sauce
- 5 grams dried oregano
- 2 grams pepper
- 120 ml red wine
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 5 grams sea salt
- 15 grams granulated sugar
- 450 grams assorted noodles
- 100 grams shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it is no longer pink. Once cooked, drain any excess fat.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add the mushrooms, tomato sauce, dried oregano, pepper, red wine, diced onion, sea salt, and granulated sugar to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients and let the mixture simmer for 1 hour over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the assorted noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Combine Sauce and Pasta: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the simmered sauce with the drained pasta, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Prepare for Baking: Spread the pasta and sauce mixture into a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish, ensuring an even layer.
- Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the pasta mixture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, approximately 20-25 minutes.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Cavatini pairs wonderfully with buttered French bread for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 450 kcal
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Get Creative with Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese like cheddar, provolone, or even a sprinkle of parmesan for added flavor and texture.
- Add Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value by adding extra vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the meat mixture while it simmers.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the Cavatini ahead of time by assembling it in the baking dish and covering it with foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting with a cold dish.
Possible Variations
- Vegetarian Cavatini: Substitute the ground beef with a mix of lentils, black beans, or a plant-based meat alternative. Increase the amount of mushrooms and add diced bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Spicy Cavatini: For those who like a kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce while it simmers. You can also use spicy Italian sausage in place of the ground beef for more flavor.
Now you have everything you need to create a delicious Cavatini dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy your cooking!