Pasta Bake Recipe
To make a delicious pasta bake, preheat your oven to 375°F. Cook 1 lb. of pasta for 2 minutes less than the package states. Brown 1 lb. of ground beef with onions and bell peppers. Mix in marinara sauce and spices. Layer half of the pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta in a baking dish, then repeat. Top with mozzarella and parmesan, bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered for 10-15 until golden. There’s more to explore!
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
When you’re looking for a meal that fits into your busy lifestyle, this pasta bake recipe stands out for its convenience.
You’ll appreciate the easy preparation, requiring minimal time and effort. Since it uses a single baking pan, cleanup becomes a breeze. Incorporating frozen veggies saves you even more time, allowing you to skip chopping. Plus, there’s no need to pre-cook the pasta, which speeds up the process. This dish is also kid-friendly, making it a great choice for family meals. You can easily customize it by adding or removing ingredients based on your family’s preferences. Additionally, the recipe utilizes uncooked pasta directly in the casserole dish, further streamlining your cooking experience.
Recipe
Ingredients:
– 1 lb. ziti, penne, or rigatoni (or 1 cup fusilli, or 8 oz short pasta)
– 2 jars marinara sauce (or 1½ cups pasta sauce)
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 lb. ground beef (or cooked meat such as chicken or sausage)
– 1 finely chopped onion
– 1 finely chopped bell pepper (optional)
– 1 egg
– 2 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or oregano for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than the package instructions for al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and sauté until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the marinara sauce, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
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In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
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In a large baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta, followed by half of the meat sauce, and dollops of the ricotta mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta and meat sauce. Top with the shredded mozzarella cheese and remaining parmesan cheese.
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Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
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Once cooked, remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or oregano if desired and serve with garlic bread or a side salad.
Extra Tips:
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the meat sauce before layering. Additionally, the recipe uses a lot of sauce, so you might want to adjust the sauce quantity to your preference.
If you want to sneak in some vegetables, you can add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the meat mixture.
Additionally, you can prepare the pasta bake ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge!
Enjoy your delicious pasta bake!
Final Thoughts
As you wrap up your pasta bake experience, it’s essential to contemplate how to make the most of your dish. Here are some final tips:
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Reheat leftovers by baking them covered at 375° until warmed through.
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Serve with garlic bread or crispy green bean fries for added texture.
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Freeze leftovers for later; they defrost and reheat well.
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Consider adding fresh herbs**** like parsley for a burst of flavor.
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For make-ahead convenience, assemble your casserole up to two days in advance or freeze it. Just remember to adjust baking time if it’s cold.
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Experiment with different pasta shapes, sauces, and cheeses to keep things interesting. Pasta bake is a versatile dish that can accommodate various ingredients and preferences.
Enjoy your pasta bake journey!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Bake?
Imagine sailing smoothly on a gluten-free sea! Yes, you can absolutely use gluten-free pasta for your bake. Just remember to adjust cooking times and guarantee it’s well-coated with sauce for a delightful journey.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers in the Fridge?
You can store leftovers in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to use airtight containers and refrigerate them promptly to keep them fresh and safe from bacterial growth.
Is This Recipe Suitable for Meal Prep?
Think of your meal prep as a well-oiled machine. Yes, this recipe’s perfect for it—reheats beautifully, stores well for days, and lets you customize flavors to fit your dietary needs. Enjoy the convenience!
Can I Add Vegetables to the Pasta Bake?
Yes, you can definitely add vegetables to your pasta bake! They enhance flavor, texture, and nutrition. Just choose your favorites, roast or sauté them, and mix them in before baking for a delicious dish.
What Type of Cheese Works Best for Topping?
Like a warm hug on a cold day, topping your dish with a blend of mozzarella and parmesan creates a delightful, gooey layer. Consider adding Swiss or Fontina for extra richness and flavor. Enjoy!
