This hearty baked pasta dish is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. With layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and a rich, cheesy topping, it’s ideal for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti work well)
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground sausage)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the meat sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine pasta and sauce:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce and ricotta cheese. Mix until evenly distributed.
- Assemble the bake:
- Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture, then top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
Enjoy this warm, cheesy pasta dish with a simple salad or garlic bread on the side. Perfect for any night you need a delicious, no-fuss meal!
