Delicious and Comforting Italian Pasta Bake
Ingredients:
1 lb pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti)
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F
(190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water
to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to
the package instructions until al dente. Drain
and set aside.
Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, cook
the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium
heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon
as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the
chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook
until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, diced
tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper,
and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a
simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the
flavors to meld.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl,
combine the cooked pasta and meat sauce. Mix
well to coat the pasta evenly.
Layer the Bake: Spread half of the pasta and
sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Dollop the ricotta cheese over the pasta, then
sprinkle with half of the grated Parmesan and
shredded mozzarella cheese. Top with the
remaining pasta and sauce mixture, then
sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan and
mozzarella cheese.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil
and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and
bubbly.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pasta
bake cool for a few minutes. Garnish with
chopped fresh basil if desired. Serve hot. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 45
minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 400 kcal per serving |
Servings: 8
Just made this delicious Italian Pasta Bake!
Perfect for a comforting and hearty dinner.