Pasta Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this hearty Pasta Bake, a family-friendly classic that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Featuring tender penne pasta tossed in a rich, savory tomato-based meat sauce and crowned with a luscious layer of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese, this oven-baked dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Enhanced with aromatic garlic, sautéed onions, and a hint of Italian seasoning, every bite bursts with a delightful balance of flavors. Quick to prepare and ready in under an hour, this cheesy pasta casserole is finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant touch. Serve it warm for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s guaranteed to be a hit.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 500 grams ground beef
- 400 grams canned diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 200 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 100 grams cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Increase the heat to medium-high, add the ground beef, and cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon. This should take about 6-7 minutes.
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Combine the cooked pasta and the sauce in a large mixing bowl, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
564 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 36.8 g | 47% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.2 g | 81% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 93 mg | 31% | |
| Sodium | 816 mg | 35% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 28.1 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.0 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.9 g | ||
| Protein | 31.4 g | 63% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 408 mg | 31% | |
| Iron | 3.3 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 452 mg | 10% | |
*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.
