Italian Pasta Bake
Dive into the comforting flavors of an Italian Pasta Bake, a hearty casserole that combines tender penne pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich marinara sauce for the ultimate weeknight dinner. This easy-to-make recipe is layered with creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and nutty parmesan cheese, creating a bubbling, golden crust that’s simply irresistible. Infused with classic Italian herbs like basil and oregano, and topped with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish, this bake is pure comfort food elegance. Ready in just an hour, it’s perfect for feeding a family or serving at gatherings. Whether you’re craving cheesy pasta perfection or a flavorful make-ahead dinner, this Italian Pasta Bake is a must-try!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams dry penne pasta
- 500 grams ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 700 ml marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 250 grams ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Stir the marinara sauce, dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper into the skillet with the beef. Simmer for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ground beef mixture, and ricotta cheese. Mix until evenly coated.
Spread half of the pasta mixture into a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese over the layer.
Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, and then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
Cover the 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 on top is golden brown and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor.
Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Italian Pasta Bake!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4440 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 232.3 g | 298% | |
| Saturated Fat | 103.0 g | 515% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 741 mg | 247% | |
| Sodium | 6616 mg | 288% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 359.4 g | 131% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.5 g | 77% | |
| Total Sugars | 34.2 g | ||
| Protein | 250.2 g | 500% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 3773 mg | 290% | |
| Iron | 18.2 mg | 101% | |
| Potassium | 2793 mg | 59% | |
*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.
