How to Make a Delicious Pasta Bake – Comfort Food at Its Best
This comforting pasta bake features tender noodles tossed in a rich tomato sauce with ground beef and gooey melted cheese. Baked until bubbly and golden—classic, satisfying, and easy to make ahead!
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta penne, rigatoni, or ziti
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce or pasta sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta:
- Boil the pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make meat sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion. Cook until beef is browned and onions are soft, about 6–8 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Add sauce:
- Pour in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Assemble the bake:
- In a large bowl or directly in a greased 9x13 baking dish, combine the cooked pasta and meat sauce. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and ¼ cup of Parmesan. Mix until combined.
- Top and bake:
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if you like. Serve hot with garlic bread or a green salad.
Notes
- Add a layer of ricotta cheese in the middle for a lasagna-like vibe.
- Want it vegetarian? Skip the meat and use mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
- Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 2 days before baking.
Nutrition
Calories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 28gFat: 22gFiber: 4g
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