Creamy Marsala Beef and Noodle Bake

This dish is a comforting blend of traditional flavors with a creative twist. Tender ground beef is combined with creamy Marsala sauce and tossed with rotini noodles, creating a rich and hearty baked casserole topped with crispy bacon bites. It's a delightful fusion that's perfect for family dinners, offering a unique yet familiar taste that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 8 oz rotini noodles
• 1 cup beef gravy
• 1 cup Marsala wine
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon bites
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the rotini noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
4. Add the beef gravy, Marsala wine, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well and simmer for about 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, beef mixture, frozen peas, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix until evenly coated.
6. Transfer the noodle and beef mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and bacon bites. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.