Simi's Pasta Al Forno

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Simi’s Pasta Al Forno, a hearty and satisfying baked pasta dish that blends rich flavors and creamy textures. Al dente rigatoni is combined with a savory meat sauce made from a perfect balance of ground beef and pork, simmered with fragrant herbs, garlic, and a touch of chili flakes for subtle heat. A luxurious homemade béchamel sauce laced with nutmeg and parmesan elevates this dish, while layers of gooey mozzarella make it irresistibly cheesy. Baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh parsley, this easy yet impressive Italian classic is ideal for family meals or cozy gatherings. Perfectly balanced and bursting with flavor, Simi’s Pasta Al Forno is destined to become your go-to comfort bake!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 400 grams rigatoni pasta
• 250 grams ground beef
• 250 grams ground pork
• 1 medium onion
• 3 large garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 800 grams canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoons red chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 40 grams unsalted butter
• 40 grams all-purpose flour
• 500 ml whole milk
• 0.25 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 100 grams parmesan cheese
• 250 grams mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 4

Add the ground beef and pork to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking the meat apart with a spoon, about 7-8 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

While the sauce simmers, prepare the béchamel sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden and nutty.

Step 7

Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure no lumps remain. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Add a pinch of nutmeg and 50 grams of grated parmesan cheese, then stir until smooth. Remove from heat.

Step 8

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 9

Layer a greased 9x13-inch baking dish with half the pasta mixture. Spread half the béchamel sauce over the pasta, then sprinkle with half the mozzarella cheese.

Step 10

Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, béchamel, and mozzarella cheese. Top with the remaining 50 grams of parmesan cheese.

Step 11

Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 12

Let the pasta cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2891.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4394.0

Total Fat 261.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 118.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.1g
Cholesterol 803.9mg	0%
Sodium 6327.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 269.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.9g	0%
Total Sugars 78.3g
Protein 252.9g	0%

Vitamin D 266.9IU	0%
Calcium 3720.5mg	0%
Iron 23.1mg	0%
Potassium 5308.8mg	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: 53.0%

Protein: 22.8%

Carbs: 24.2%