Oven Baked 4-Ingredient Egg Roll Pasta
There are some dinners that feel like a warm hug from your favorite takeout spot, and this Oven Baked 4-Ingredient Egg Roll Pasta is exactly that. It takes everything you love about a crispy egg roll—the savory pork, tender cabbage, and salty-sweet soy flavor—and turns it into a cozy baked pasta casserole. It is hearty, weeknight-friendly, and surprisingly delicious.
What I love most about this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together. With just four main ingredients, you can create a bubbling, golden pasta dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The pasta soaks up all that savory soy goodness, the cabbage softens into silky ribbons, and the pork adds just the right amount of richness. It is the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table go quiet for a moment, then reach for seconds.
Serve it with a drizzle of sesame oil, a sprinkle of green onions, or a side of sweet chili sauce, and watch it disappear before you can even sit down.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is the definition of hands-off comfort food. With just four main ingredients, it is budget-friendly, forgiving, and perfect for busy days when you want something warm without a lot of work.
The flavors are bold and familiar. Ground pork, coleslaw mix, soy sauce, and pasta come together in a way that tastes like a deconstructed egg roll in casserole form.
It is also wonderfully adaptable. You can add garlic, ginger, sesame oil, or a handful of shredded carrots, or swap the pork for chicken or turkey.
Ingredients
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1 pound penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta
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1 pound ground pork or ground chicken
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1 bag (14 to 16 ounces) coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage
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1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce or stir-fry sauce
Salt, black pepper, and a little oil for the pan are considered free pantry staples. Optional: sesame oil, green onions, garlic, ginger, or crispy wonton strips.
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground pork until browned and crumbled. Drain excess grease.
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Add the coleslaw mix to the skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the soy sauce.
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Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until everything is evenly coated. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of water or broth.
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Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
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Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until hot and bubbly and the top is lightly golden.
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Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions or a drizzle of sesame oil if desired.
Variations
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Spicy Egg Roll Pasta: Add sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or red pepper flakes to the soy sauce.
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Chicken Egg Roll Pasta: Swap the ground pork for ground chicken or turkey.
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Vegetable Boost: Add shredded carrots, sliced mushrooms, or water chestnuts.
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Teriyaki Egg Roll Pasta: Use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce for a sweeter glaze.
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Crispy Topping: Sprinkle crushed wonton strips or panko over the top before baking.
Expert Tips
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Do not overcook the pasta. It will soften more in the oven.
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Drain the pork well so the casserole does not become greasy.
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Use low-sodium soy sauce so you can control the salt level.
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Add a splash of water or broth if the pasta mixture looks dry before baking.
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Let it rest before serving so the flavors settle and the slices hold together.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a 350°F oven with a splash of soy sauce or broth to loosen. This dish does not freeze well because the cabbage can become watery upon thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use a different pasta? Yes. Penne, rotini, shells, or spaghetti all work well.
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Can I make this without meat? Yes. Use mushrooms, crumbles, or extra cabbage and carrots.
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Is this spicy? It is mild as written. Add chili sauce or red pepper flakes for heat.
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Can I make this ahead of time? Yes. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5 minutes to the bake time.
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Can I double this recipe? Yes. Use two baking dishes and rotate them halfway through baking.
What to Serve With This Dish
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Sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for drizzling
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Steamed edamame or dumplings
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A crisp cucumber sesame salad
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Egg rolls or spring rolls
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A cold glass of iced tea or sparkling water
Final Thoughts
This Oven Baked 4-Ingredient Egg Roll Pasta is proof that you do not need a long list of ingredients or complicated techniques to create something truly delicious. It is savory, comforting, and wonderfully easy, and it comes together with almost no effort. I hope it becomes a weeknight favorite in your kitchen.