Skip all the fuss of layering lasagna and try this cheesy, saucy Pasta Bake Recipe instead—same flavor, less hassle!
Do you love lasagna but can’t stand all the prep work that goes into this classic recipe? I hear you. Lasagna is always a crowd-pleaser, but it can be a bit of a pain to assemble. Preparing and spreading all those layers of noodles, cheese, and sauce takes time and effort. Needless to say, lasagna isn’t a weeknight recipe for me.
While nothing beats an authentic cheesy slice of lasagna, there are a few simpler ways to enjoy those comforting flavors without the headache. That’s what’s awesome about this pasta bake.
With a pasta bake, you’ll significantly reduce your prep time by mixing all the ingredients in one dish. You can even make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a quick and easy home-cooked meal. So, if you’re ever in the mood for some serious Italian-inspired comfort food on a busy weeknight, keep this pasta bake recipe on hand!
Do you need to cook pasta before baking it?
Trust me, I get it. We’re all looking for ways to save time in the kitchen. While it doesn’t take hours to boil a pot of water and pre-cook your pasta, it’s an extra step on a busy workday. But can you skip this step?
The short answer is yes. If you’re really pressed for time, you could put uncooked pasta in your baking dish with enough sauce and liquid. While this method works fine as the pasta absorbs the liquid in the oven, there are a few potential downsides to consider.
First, uncooked pasta can lead to a looser consistency since you need more liquid in your baking dish. Also, some people prefer drained al dente pasta to the “starchier” taste and texture. And keep in mind that it may take extra oven time to fully cook.
To know what you like best, try both ways!
How do I store leftovers?
Pasta bake is a great recipe for preparing dinner in advance. After cooking this recipe and allowing it to cool, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for 2 days before reheating. You can also freeze portions of your pasta bake in foil and freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Reheat in your oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes or until heated through.
Serving suggestions
Because pasta bakes are filling on their own, they often pair best with something lighter, such as a Green Salad. Another solid pick is Oven-Roasted Veggies if you’d prefer a warmer side. It’s also pretty common to include Pull-Apart Garlic Bread or Potato Rolls with your pasta bake. These starchy sides are your ultimate partner when sopping up all that juicy marinara!
Ingredients
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
- 1 large egg whisked
- 2 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 pound pasta ziti, penne, or rigatoni
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 48 ounces marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix ricotta, Parmesan, egg, and 1 cup mozzarella in a bowl and set aside.
- Boil pasta for 2 minutes less than al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Add garlic, spices, and marinara sauce. Simmer briefly.
- Combine pasta with most of the sauce. Transfer to a greased baking dish. Add dollops of ricotta mixture and remaining sauce.
- Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover, top with remaining mozzarella, and bake until bubbly, about 15 minutes more.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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