Hearty Pasta Bake: Comforting & Delicious

Pasta Bake RecipePhoto bythecozycook

Pasta Bake is a comforting and versatile dish that combines pasta with a rich tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and any of your favorite add-ins like vegetables, meat, or herbs.

Get Full Recipe: Pasta Bake Recipe

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite type)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 1 zucchini, diced (optional)
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Pasta:
3. • 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.
4. Prepare the Meat and Vegetables:
5. • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
   • Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
   • Add the diced onion, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini (if using) to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Make the Sauce:
7. • Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
8. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
9. • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the meat sauce mixture. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
10. Assemble the Casserole:
11. • Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
    • Dollop the ricotta cheese over the pasta in an even layer.
    • Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer.
    • Spread the remaining pasta mixture over the cheese layers.
    • Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
12. Bake:
13. • 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 and the casserole is heated through.
14. Serve:
15. • Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
    • Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.
    • Serve hot, and enjoy!

Conclusion

Pasta Bake is a classic and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and melted cheese creates a hearty and flavorful meal. Enjoy this easy and delicious pasta bake with your family and friends for a truly satisfying dinner!