Lasagna-Inspired Pasta Bake Recipe

Ingredients

Before we get to cooking, let’s take a closer look at what goes into this dish. The ingredients are simple, pantry-friendly, and customizable.

Core Ingredients:

• Pasta: Choose a short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. Their shapes hold the sauce beautifully.
• Marinara Sauce: Opt for a high-quality store-bought version or make your own for a more personalized flavor.
• Ground Meat: Beef, pork, or turkey works great. You can also use a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian version.
• Cheese Trio: A combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan for that creamy, cheesy perfection.
• Onion and Garlic: For the aromatic base.
• Seasonings: Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to enhance the flavor.

Optional Add-Ins:

• Vegetables: Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
• Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley to garnish and brighten up the flavors.

Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Lasagna-Inspired Pasta Bake

Prepping the Ingredients

Cooking is all about preparation. Start by boiling your pasta according to the package instructions, but undercook it slightly since it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.

While the pasta cooks, finely chop your onion and garlic. If you’re adding vegetables, slice them thinly for even cooking.

Cooking the Meat Sauce

Here’s where the magic starts! Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant, then add your ground meat. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, ensuring even browning.

Once the meat is fully cooked, stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If you’re adding vegetables, toss them into the sauce at this stage.

Mixing the Cheeses

The cheese mixture is what makes this dish so decadent. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with grated Parmesan, a handful of shredded mozzarella, a pinch of salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Assembling the Pasta Bake

Now comes the fun part—assembly! In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Add half of the cheese mixture and toss everything together until well coated.

Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Spoon dollops of the remaining cheese mixture on top, then sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan.

Baking to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with foil to prevent the cheese from burning, and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.