Description
Mouthwatering cheesy pasta bake delivers comfort and flavor in one delightful dish. Rich Italian-inspired ingredients combine perfectly, promising a satisfying meal that brings warmth to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (0.45 kg) ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti)
- 24 oz (680 g) jar marinara sauce
- 14.5 oz (411 g) can diced tomatoes, drained (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsps fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), positioning rack in central position for even heat distribution.
- Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente, drain and reserve for subsequent layering.
- Meat Foundation: In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking into fine crumbles. Drain excess fat, then integrate onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
- Sauce Development: Infuse the meat with marinara, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer to meld flavors and create a rich, robust sauce.
- Cheese Fusion: Combine cooked pasta with ricotta, blending half of mozzarella and Parmesan. Fold meat sauce into pasta mixture, ensuring thorough coating.
- Baking Assembly: Transfer to greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly. Crown with remaining cheese varieties, creating a decadent topping.
- Oven Transformation: Cover with foil, bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and continue baking 10 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbling.
- Finishing Touch: Rest 5 minutes post-baking. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, then serve this warm, comforting pasta bake.
Notes
- Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Check pasta texture 1-2 minutes before recommended cooking time to maintain perfect al dente consistency, preventing mushy results.
- Manage Excess Fat: Use lean ground beef or drain meat thoroughly to reduce greasiness and keep the dish lighter and more health-conscious.
- Layer Cheese Strategically: Mix different cheese varieties for complex flavor profile and ensure even melting by grating them freshly and distributing uniformly across the dish.
- Control Moisture Balance: If sauce seems too liquid, add breadcrumbs or reduce marinara slightly to prevent soggy pasta bake and maintain ideal texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg