Transform your dinnertime routine with this irresistible Pasta Loaf with Meat Sauce, a comforting twist on traditional baked pasta dishes. Combining layers of al dente spaghetti, savory homemade meat sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese, this recipe is baked to perfection in a loaf pan for a stunning presentation and easy slicing. Enhanced with aromatic garlic, fresh herbs like oregano and basil, and a touch of parmesan, this dish balances hearty flavors with a delicate cheesy crust. Ideal for family dinners or special gatherings, this make-ahead-friendly recipe is both satisfying and crowd-pleasing. Serve it with a crisp side salad or warm garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired feast that everyone will love. Perfect for fans of baked spaghetti, this pasta loaf is guaranteed to be the star of your dinner table!
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a loaf pan with olive oil and set aside.
Cook the spaghetti or linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, about 8-10 minutes.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, 1 teaspoon of salt, black pepper, and sugar (if using). Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Add the cooked pasta to the egg mixture and gently toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.
Spread a layer of the pasta mixture evenly at the bottom of the prepared loaf pan.
Add a layer of the meat sauce over the pasta, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of cheese.
Cover the loaf pan with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
Allow the pasta loaf to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before carefully removing it and slicing.
Serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread. Enjoy your Pasta Loaf with Meat Sauce!
Calories |
3519 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 199.7 g | 256% | |
| Saturated Fat | 82.7 g | 414% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1129 mg | 376% | |
| Sodium | 8408 mg | 366% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 229.9 g | 84% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.9 g | 68% | |
| Total Sugars | 34.9 g | ||
| Protein | 209.7 g | 419% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.1 mcg | 15% | |
| Calcium | 2418 mg | 186% | |
| Iron | 23.4 mg | 130% | |
| Potassium | 3136 mg | 67% | |
*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.