A Savory Pasta and Meat Bake is a comforting, hearty dish that combines pasta, flavorful meat, and a cheesy, savory sauce all baked together for a delicious one-dish meal. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this dish can be customized with your favorite type of meat, pasta, and seasonings. Here’s a recipe to make this savory, baked pasta with meat:
Savory Pasta and Meat Bake Recipe
Ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, ziti, or rigatoni work well)
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little bit of olive oil or cooking spray.
2. Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, but undercook it by about 2 minutes (it will cook further in the oven). Drain and set aside.
3. Brown the Meat:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef (or your choice of meat) and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Once browned, remove excess fat, if necessary, then add the onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
4. Make the Sauce:
- Add the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet with the meat mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Assemble the Bake:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Stir in 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese and 1 cup ricotta cheese (if using), making sure the pasta is evenly coated with sauce.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is slightly golden.
7. Serve:
- Let the pasta bake sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows it to firm up and makes it easier to slice.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Tips for Customization:
- Meat Variations: You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, sausage, or even a mixture of meats. You could also add cooked chicken or meatballs for variety.
- Vegetables: Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the sauce for more flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese Variations: Mix in some cheddar or Fontina cheese for a different flavor. You could also sprinkle some Parmesan on top for an extra cheesy finish.
- Make it Spicy: Add a little more red pepper flakes or even some hot sauce to the meat sauce if you like heat.
Storage and Make-Ahead:
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well! You can prepare the entire bake ahead of time, assemble it in the baking dish, and then freeze it (before baking). When ready to cook, bake it directly from frozen (you may need to add an additional 20-30 minutes of baking time).
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the sauce and pasta the day before, store them separately, and assemble and bake the next day for a quicker dinner.
