Baked Pasta

Dive into the warmth of Italian-American cuisine with this Cheesy Baked Pasta Delight. This comforting dish combines a savory meat sauce, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta to create a meal that’s both familiar and fulfilling. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish brings an old-world charm with a modern twist of cheddar.

Ingredients

🥩 1.5 to 2 pounds of ground beef
🍝 1 pound of your favorite pasta (boil for 8 minutes)
🧅 1 large onion, chopped
🧄 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
🍅 2 jars of 8-ounce pasta sauce
🧀 1 jar of 8-ounce Ragú Double Cheddar Cheese Sauce
🧀 1 cup of mozzarella cheese (for topping)
🧄 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
🌿 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning
🌿 1/2 tablespoon of basil
🌿 1 tablespoon of dried parsley
🌶️ 1 teaspoon of black pepper
🌶️ 1 teaspoon of chili flakes
🥫 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
🧂 1 teaspoon of salt
💧 1 cup of water

Instructions

1- Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2- Prepare the Meat Sauce:

• In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until all the liquid evaporates.
• Add the chopped garlic and onion, cooking until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic fragrant, about 3 minutes.
• Season the beef with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, basil, black pepper, parsley, chili flakes, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Stir well to combine.
• Pour in the pasta sauce, then add 1 cup of water to rinse out the jars and add that liquid to the sauce. Mix thoroughly.
• Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes.

3- Cook the Pasta:

• While the sauce simmers, bring a pot of water to a boil.
• Add the pasta and cook for about 8 minutes until al dente. Drain well.

4- Layer the Casserole:

• In a large casserole dish, spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
• Add half of the cooked pasta over the sauce.
• Pour more sauce over the pasta.
• Spread the jar of Ragú Double Cheddar Cheese Sauce over the pasta evenly.
• Add the remaining pasta, followed by the rest of the meat sauce.
• Finish with a topping of fresh and shredded mozzarella cheese.

5- Bake:

• Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
• Broil for an additional 2 minutes to achieve a nice golden brown top.

6- Serve:

• Allow the pasta to cool for a few minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve with a side of crusty bread.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes (including simmering)
Total Time: 65 minutes
Servings: 6 to 8
Calories per serving: Approx. 650 cal
Nutrition per serving: Protein 35g, Fats 35g, Carbohydrates 40g
Equipment Needed: Skillet, pot, large casserole dish

Cooking Tips:

• Rinsing the sauce jars with water ensures you use every bit of the sauce while adding moisture to your meat sauce.
• Layering cheese sauce in the middle and topping with mozzarella creates a delightful, creamy texture.

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Cheesy Baked Pasta Delight