Classic Cheesy Pasta Bake
Indulge in the comforting goodness of a **Classic Cheesy Pasta Bake**, a crowd-pleasing favorite that delivers hearty flavors in every bite. Featuring tender penne pasta coated in a rich, savory meat sauce made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic herbs like oregano and basil, this dish is elevated with layers of melted mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese for a luscious, golden topping. Perfectly baked to bubbly perfection, this casserole-style dinner is quick to prepare, taking just 15 minutes of prep time, and serves up to six people, making it ideal for family meals or casual gatherings. Garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness, this recipe is the ultimate combination of comfort food and irresistible cheesy indulgence. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a potluck, this pasta bake is guaranteed to be a hit!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 units garlic cloves, minced
- 500 grams ground beef
- 800 grams crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 250 grams grated mozzarella cheese
- 100 grams grated cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 7-8 minutes.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes to thicken slightly.
Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce and 150 grams of mozzarella cheese in a large mixing bowl. Mix until well combined.
Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to a baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and all of the cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
593 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 37.1 g | 48% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.9 g | 84% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 96 mg | 32% | |
| Sodium | 799 mg | 35% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 33.7 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.7 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.5 g | ||
| Protein | 34.8 g | 70% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 469 mg | 36% | |
| Iron | 3.4 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 719 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
