New Mom Meal- Gluten Free Italian Pasta Bake

One of the things that helped me the most after having both kids was not having to worry about cooking dinner thanks to a meals delivered by friends and family. Having a baby is a busy time, having a baby and a toddler is just pure chaos. Just getting through the day was an accomplishment, the last thing on my mind was cooking a meal. Both kids were a big transition for us, especially in those newborn months. My family wouldn’t have been fed if it weren’t for the freezer meals I prepared ahead of time and the meals that were delivered to us.  Honestly, a home cooked meal is one of the best gifts we were given after both kids were born.

Over the past month there has been a baby boom in my circle of friends. Lots of new littles to love on also means lots of meals to deliver. Today, I’m sharing an easy peasy recipe with you that would be perfect for freezing ahead of time to prepare for a new baby or to make and deliver to a new mom using Barilla gluten free pasta. Barilla gluten free pasta tastes just like regular pasta, but it’s made with just corn and rice. The entire meal takes just over a half hour to make and can easily be frozen or cooked right then and there. And best yet, there is just 5 ingredients!

Last week I delivered three meals, which was easily done thanks to the four pack of pasta I was able to get from BJ’s Wholesale Club. Not only did I make all three meals in less than an hour, I also made one for our family for dinner.

Healthy, filling and tasty…doesn’t get much better then that!

Here is the gluten free pasta recipe. I’m telling you, e-a-s-y p-e-a-s-y! 

Ingredients: 

1lb ground beef (I’ve used italian saugage, turkey sausage, ground beef…it all works)

3 cups Barilla gluten free pasta (cooked)

1 24 oz jar of pasta sauce (which ever brand you prefer)

1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese (divided)

Optional: oregano, salt and pepper to taste

Directions: 

Heat oven to 350.

Brown meat on the stove over medium heat, drain once cooked.

In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, meat and pasta sauce.

Add in the parmesan cheese and 3/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese.

Spoon the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish.

Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted and it’s heated through.

It’s a meal the whole family will enjoy!

Want to try Barilla Gluten Free pasta? Visit select BJ’s Wholesale Clubs on December 22nd and 23rd to see an in-store pasta demo. You can also see more Barilla Gluten Free recipes on Pinterest. 

——————————————————————————————-

I’ve even included a printable tag for your to include with your meal. You can write the directions for the dish on it and make sure they know who it’s from!

You can download your free printable meal tags  here.

——————————————————————————————-

If you’re planning on delivering a meal to a new mom, here are a few things I recommend: 

-Make sure you call or set up a time to deliver ahead of time. If there isn’t a calendar for meals in place, see what day is best.

-Use disposable dishes/ containers. Clean up will be a breeze!

-Don’t overstay your welcome. Quick visits are best in the beginning days.

-If you are invited in to stay for a bit, see what you can do to help. Can you hold the baby while the mom gets something done, can you do the dishes, pick up toys, fold laundry?

-Check for any allergies before making the meal. Spices and dairy can be tricky for new nursing mamas. Make sure the mom can eat what you’re making.

What was something that helped you when you became a mom?

Do you have a go to meal that you make for new moms?

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group®, Barilla®, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #GlutenFreeBarilla http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV