Classic Cheesy Pasta Bake

Dive into comfort food heaven with this Classic Cheesy Pasta Bake, a hearty, family-favorite dish packed with bold flavors and irresistible textures. Featuring tender penne pasta tossed in a rich and savory ground beef and tomato sauce, this bake is elevated with a blend of gooey mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese, creating the ultimate golden, bubbly topping. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this recipe is easy to make and loaded with fragrant herbs like oregano and basil, ensuring every bite bursts with Italian-inspired goodness. Prep in just 15 minutes, bake to perfection in under an hour, and serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a simple yet satisfying meal that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you're feeding a crowd or craving cheesy comfort food, this pasta bake is sure to delight!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 400 grams penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 units garlic cloves, minced
• 500 grams ground beef
• 800 grams crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 250 grams grated mozzarella cheese
• 100 grams grated cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 7-8 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 7

Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce and 150 grams of mozzarella cheese in a large mixing bowl. Mix until well combined.

Step 8

Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to a baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 9

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and all of the cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.

Step 12

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2230.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4304.9

Total Fat 224.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 96.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 630.8mg	0%
Sodium 5042.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 360.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.5g	0%
Total Sugars 40.6g
Protein 231.5g	0%

Vitamin D 52.4IU	0%
Calcium 2794.8mg	0%
Iron 34.2mg	0%
Potassium 4245.4mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.1%

Protein: 21.1%

Carbs: 32.8%