Bolognese Pasta Bake
Bolognese Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Layers of al dente pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce come together in a gooey, cheesy masterpiece. This dish not only satisfies your hunger but also warms your heart with its inviting aroma and irresistible flavors. With endless variations possible, it’s a versatile recipe that can easily adapt to your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 28 oz canned whole peeled tomatoes (crushed)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions in olive oil until translucent. Add garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef to the skillet; cook until browned, breaking up any large chunks.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper; let simmer for 15 minutes.
- Combine cooked pasta with the meat sauce in a baking dish and mix well.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses; bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Allow to rest for five minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For extra nutrition, add vegetables like spinach or zucchini to the meat sauce. Substitute ground beef with turkey for a lighter option. You can prepare this dish ahead of time; just refrigerate before baking.