Layered Pasta Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Layered Pasta Bake, a hearty dish featuring perfectly al dente penne, rich and savory meat sauce, and an irresistibly creamy ricotta cheese layer. This oven-baked masterpiece is topped with gooey mozzarella and a sprinkle of golden Parmesan, creating a bubbling, cheesy crust that’s impossible to resist. Flavored with aromatic garlic, onions, and a blend of classic Italian herbs, every bite bursts with home-cooked goodness. Ready in just an hour, this make-ahead-friendly recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners or satisfying potluck gatherings. Serve it piping hot with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a meal everyone will love.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams Penne pasta
- 500 grams Ground beef
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 medium Onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 800 grams Canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 250 grams Ricotta cheese
- 200 grams Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 large Egg
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, half of the Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
Add half of the cooked pasta, followed by half of the ricotta mixture. Spread evenly.
Top with half of the remaining meat sauce, then sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
Sprinkle the top with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
646 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 38.2 g | 49% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.4 g | 87% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 135 mg | 45% | |
| Sodium | 977 mg | 42% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 39.1 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.2 g | ||
| Protein | 37.8 g | 76% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 480 mg | 37% | |
| Iron | 4.2 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 660 mg | 14% | |
*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.
