Nutrition per serving
Ingredients
Preparation
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1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil or spray a large baking dish (about 9x13 inches).
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2
In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced onions, garlic cloves, paprika, Italian seasoning, dried parsley, olive oil, and half of the salt and half of the pepper. Toss very well until the onions are evenly coated with oil and spices.
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3
Transfer the onion mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour, until the onions are very soft and beginning to caramelize at the edges.
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4
When the onions have about 15 minutes left, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gluten-free pasta according to package directions until just al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
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5
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Season the beef with the remaining salt, remaining pepper, and the onion powder. Drain off any excess fat if necessary.
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6
Remove the baking dish with the onions from the oven and carefully discard the foil. Add the cooked ground beef and drained pasta to the onions in the baking dish. Pour in about 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water and gently toss everything together until well combined and evenly distributed.
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7
Spread the mixture into an even layer in the baking dish and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
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8
Return the baking dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden brown in spots.
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9
Remove from the oven and let the pasta rest for 5–10 minutes to set slightly. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and, if you like, with garlic bread on the side (use gluten-free bread if needed).
Gluten-Free Caramelized Onion & Beef Baked Pasta
This baked caramelized onion pasta takes the best part of a long-simmered French onion soup—the deep sweetness of slow-cooked onions—and tucks it into a hearty, cheesy gluten-free pasta bake. Ground beef makes it satisfying enough for a weeknight dinner, and a generous layer of mozzarella gives you those irresistible browned, bubbling edges.
Why this caramelized onion pasta works
- Slow-roasted onions = big flavor: Baking thinly sliced onions low and slow concentrates their natural sweetness without constant stirring.
- Gluten-free but still indulgent: Using your favorite gluten-free pasta keeps the dish accessible without sacrificing comfort.
- Pantry spice heroes: Paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic, onion, and parsley combine to give the onions and beef an herby, savory backbone.
- Family-style and make-ahead friendly: Everything bakes in one dish and reheats beautifully, perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Ingredient notes
- Onions: Yellow or sweet onions are ideal here. Slice them thinly so they caramelize evenly in the oven.
- Gluten-free pasta: Use a sturdy shape—penne, fusilli, rotini, or shells—so it can stand up to baking and hold onto the sauce.
- Ground beef: 80–90% lean works best; you want some fat for flavor, but not so much that the dish becomes greasy.
- Spices & herbs: Paprika adds warmth and color, Italian seasoning brings herbal notes, and parsley brightens the finished bake.
- Cheese: Mozzarella melts into stretchy, gooey layers, while Parmesan on top adds salty, nutty sharpness.
Serving & pairing ideas
- Serve with a simple green salad dressed in lemon and olive oil to balance the richness.
- Add garlic bread (gluten-free, if needed) to echo the garlicky notes in the pasta.
- Pair with a light red wine (like a Pinot Noir) or sparkling water with lemon to cut through the cheesy, beefy richness.
- For extra vegetables, stir in blanched spinach, kale, or roasted broccoli with the pasta and beef before baking.
Make it your way
- Spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of organic cayenne to the onions or beef.
- Lighter: Swap half the ground beef for finely chopped mushrooms or lentils to keep the meaty texture with less meat.
- Different cheese: Mix in some provolone or fontina with the mozzarella for a more complex cheese layer.
This dish may not be life-changing, but it’s the kind of cozy, satisfying pasta you’ll happily put on rotation—especially when you want a gluten-free option that still feels like classic comfort food.
Tips for better taste
The spice behind this recipe.
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