Cheesy Pasta Bake: Comforting and Delicious

Get ready to dive into a dish of comforting, cheesy goodness with this easy and delicious Pasta Bake. This recipe brings together tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese for a meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

>>>Get the Recipe in Details: Pasta Bake

Pasta BakePhoto byFood Fusion Frenzy

Ingredients:

• 12 oz. pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
• 1 lb. ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz.) marinara sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent. Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
5. Assemble the Bake: In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. 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.
7. Serve: Let the pasta bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired. Enjoy this cheesy, comforting dish!

Conclusion:

A Cheesy Pasta Bake is the epitome of comfort food. With layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a dish that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Whether you're making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or simply to indulge, this pasta bake is sure to be a hit.