Savory Pasta and Meat Bake

Preparing the Pasta

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Preparing the Meat Sauce

2. Cook Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef or ground turkey until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Assembling the Pasta Bake

5. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Mix Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Mix well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
7. Layer the Bake: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta and meat sauce mixture. Top with half of the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta mixture, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.

Baking and Serving

8. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
9. Garnish and Serve: Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Conclusion

Savory Pasta and Meat Bake is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender pasta, flavorful meat sauce, and gooey, melted cheese makes this bake a crowd-pleaser. Easy to prepare and even better as leftovers, this pasta bake is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy!