This Baked Elk Burger Pasta is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for family dinners and a delightful way to enjoy game meat!

1

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).

2

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.

3

Add 1 pound of elk burger to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.

4

While the elk burger is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook 2 cups of pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

5

Once the elk burger is cooked, add 2 cups of marinara sauce to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.

6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the elk burger and sauce mixture. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and mix well.

7

Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.

8

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.

9

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

4

• Substitute elk burger with ground turkey or beef for a different flavor.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
• Top with breadcrumbs before baking for a crunchy texture.

• Make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it holds its texture during baking.
• You can prepare the dish in advance and refrigerate it; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Feel free to add herbs like basil or oregano for more depth of flavor.

• fat: 20g
• protein: 30g
• calories: 500
• carbohydrates: 50g

This dish provides a balance of proteins from the elk burger and carbohydrates from the pasta, making it satisfying and hearty while also offering essential vitamins.

• baked rigatoni with tiny meatballs – smitten kitchen
• Sacramento Menus | Il Fornaio
• Whats a good pasta side to go with Ribeye steak? : r/Cooking