Description
A delightful and cheesy beef pasta bake that the whole family will love, combining rigatoni or penne pasta with a savory beef sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) rigatoni or penne pasta
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (24 oz / 680 g) marinara or pasta sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese (optional, for creaminess)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente (1–2 minutes less than package directions). Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Stir in tomato paste, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning. Simmer 10 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, combine pasta with the beef sauce. Mix in ricotta (if using). Sprinkle half the mozzarella and Parmesan into the mixture. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan for a cheesy crust.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg