Pasta Bake Recipe
Indulge in the warm embrace of a delicious pasta bake, where creamy tomato sauce meets melty cheese and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. With layers of flavor and the freedom to customize based on pantry staples, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together. Easy to prepare and even better as leftovers, this pasta bake will quickly become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
- 2 cups homemade or high-quality canned tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the penne pasta in salted water until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté onions and bell peppers until soft (about 5 minutes).
- Add ground beef; cook until browned. Stir in tomato sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with the meat sauce and half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish, top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 recipe (approximately 325g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg