This Creamy Mediterranean Meat & Pasta Bake is a comforting, flavorful one-dish meal combining tender pasta, a rich mix of ground pork and beef, sautéed veggies, cream, tomato paste, and fresh herbs. Baked to bubbling, golden perfection and garnished with parsley and green onions, it’s ideal for cozy dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings. The layers of savory meat sauce, creamy richness, and soft pasta deliver satisfying flavors and textures everyone will love.
Cooking Time
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Prep & Cook Sauce: ~40 minutes (including sautéing vegetables and simmering)
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Bake Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: ~1 hour
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Servings: 6–8 hearty portions
Ingredients
Pasta & Meat:
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270 g (9.5 oz) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or shells)
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400 g (14 oz) ground pork
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400 g (14 oz) ground beef
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2 eggs
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Salt, to taste
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Ground black pepper, to taste
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1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
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60 g (1 cup) breadcrumbs
Veggies & Sauce:
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2–3 Tbsp olive oil
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1 onion, finely chopped
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1 red onion, sliced
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Garlic powder, to taste
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240 ml (1 cup) heavy cream
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60 ml (¼ cup) tomato paste
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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1 stalk celery, chopped
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200 g fresh mushrooms, sliced
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Sweet paprika powder, about ½ tsp
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Ground black pepper, extra layer
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Fresh green onions, chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Cook Pasta
Preheat the oven to 180 °C (356 °F). Boil salted water and cook pasta until just al dente (about 1–2 minutes under package directions). Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Meat Mixture
In a bowl, combine ground pork, ground beef, 2 eggs, salt, Italian seasoning, pepper, chopped parsley, and breadcrumbs. Mix thoroughly to bind.
3. Sauté the Meat
Heat 1–2 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meat mixture, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through. Remove meat and set aside.
4. Sauté Veggies
Add more oil if needed. Sauté the onions for 4–5 minutes until translucent, stirring in garlic powder halfway. Add celery and cook 3 minutes. Stir in mushrooms, salt, pepper, and paprika; cook until tender.
5. Build the Sauce
Return meat to the skillet with the veggies. Stir in tomato paste, then pour in heavy cream. Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes to let the sauce thicken and flavors meld. Adjust salt, pepper, and seasoning to taste.
6. Combine with Pasta
Add cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring to coat fully. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread evenly.
7. Bake the Casserole
Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, until the top is bubbling and slightly golden.
8. Garnish and Serve
Remove from oven and garnish with fresh green onions and extra parsley. Let rest briefly before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving, 8 servings)
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Calories: ~520 kcal
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Protein: 28 g
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Fat: 28 g
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Carbohydrates: 40 g
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Fiber: 3 g
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Sodium: ~550 mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Pasta bakes are beloved throughout Mediterranean and Italian-American kitchens, combining easy mid-week ingredients into crowd-pleasing casseroles. This version adds cream and mushrooms for richness, echoing the gratin and ‘al forno’ traditions of combining meat, vegetables, and pasta in one comforting dish.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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One-dish approach: minimal cleanup
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Rich, creamy meat and vegetable sauce coats every pasta piece
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Great use of pantry and fridge staples
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Easily doubled for larger gatherings
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Kid-approved via melty pasta and cozy flavors
Health Benefits
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Lean meats provide protein and iron
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Mushrooms & celery offer antioxidants and fiber
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Tomato paste adds vitamins and lycopene
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Olive oil contributes heart-healthy fats
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Moderate seasoning with herbs instead of excessive salt
Serving Suggestions
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Pair with garlicky sautéed spinach or green beans
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Serve alongside grilled zucchini or roasted peppers
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Offer a crisp side salad with balsamic vinaigrette
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Enjoy with a glass of light red wine, such as Merlot or Chianti
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overcooking pasta: Al dente ensures it doesn’t turn mushy after baking
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Undercooking sauce: Let cream simmer until it thickens for better texture
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Skipping seasoning: Taste and adjust—pasta absorb flavors in the oven
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Dry edges: Add plastic wrap before baking if top seems too dry; remove halfway
Pairing Recommendations
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Red wine: Merlot, Sangiovese, or Chianti
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Sparkling water with lemon or herbal iced tea
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Dessert suggestions: lemon sorbet or panna cotta for a sweet finish
Cooking Tips
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Use day-old or less-moist pasta for best casserole texture
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Swap ground beef/pork with turkey for lighter meat
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Add a breadcrumb-cheese mixture on top for a crispier crust
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Double the sauce ingredients if doubling the pasta
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Use a large baking dish to avoid crowding—dessert-like layers are best
Similar Recipes to Try
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Classic Baked Ziti
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Beef & Mushroom Stroganoff Casserole
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Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
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Sausage & Pepper Penne al Forno
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Vegetable & Ricotta Lasagna
Variations to Try
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Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or chopped chili
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Veggie focus: Omit meat and add spinach, eggplant, or peas
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Cheesy twist: Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan
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Gluten-free: Use GF pasta and breadcrumbs
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Herbal flavors: Add basil, oregano, or sage to the sauce
Ingredient Spotlight: Mushrooms
Mushrooms add depth, moisture, and umami, perfect for creamy sauces. Rich in vitamin D, selenium, and antioxidants, they elevate the casserole’s flavor while supporting immune function.
Conclusion
This Creamy Mediterranean Meat & Pasta Bake blends proteins, vegetables, and creamy sauce into a comforting skillet-meets-casserole dish. With simple ingredients and easy prep, it offers a warm, hearty meal ideal for busy evenings, sharing with friends, or satisfying family dinners. It’s flexible, flavorful, and sure to become a staple.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes—shells, penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work great.
2. Can I make this vegetarian?
Omit meat and add extra mushrooms, spinach, or chickpeas.
3. Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes—cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months.
4. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes—use full-fat milk with a tablespoon of flour to help thicken.
5. How to reheat leftovers?
Warm in the oven at 180 °C (350 °F) for 15 minutes or microwave individual portions.
6. Can I prepare ahead of time?
Yes—assemble in dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
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7. Does it need cheese topping?
No—but adding Parmesan or mozzarella on top enhances texture.
8. What meat-to-pasta ratio works best?
Aim for roughly 2:1 pasta to meat by weight for balanced bites.
9. Can I add fresh spinach?
Yes—stir in at the end of sauce cooking until wilted before combining with pasta.
10. How do I avoid a soggy bake?
Drain pasta well and bake uncovered until liquids absorb and top lightly browns.