Bubbly Bake

Get ready to savor the ultimate comfort food with this irresistible Bubbly Bake! This hearty pasta casserole layers tender penne or rigatoni with a rich, meaty tomato sauce, creamy dollops of ricotta, and a gooey blend of mozzarella and Parmesan, all baked to golden, bubbly perfection. Infused with classic Italian seasonings like oregano, basil, and garlic, this dish strikes the perfect balance of savory and cheesy goodness. Quick to assemble and ideal for family dinners, this baked pasta recipe delivers big on flavor and feeds up to six hearty appetites. Garnished with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish, it’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again. Perfect for weeknight meals or potluck gatherings, the Bubbly Bake is your go-to recipe for feel-good baked pasta bliss!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently.

Step 4

Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess grease if needed.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.

Step 7

Spoon half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dot the surface with half of the ricotta cheese, then sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 8

Add the remaining pasta mixture on top. Repeat layers with the remaining ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.

Step 9

Cover the dish loosely with foil, ensuring it doesn’t touch the cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Step 10

Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

Step 11

Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Step 12

Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Bubbly Bake!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2273.4 grams (2273.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3118

Total Fat 185.20g	237%
Saturated Fat 87.50g	438%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 688mg	229%
Sodium 5094mg	221%
Total Carbohydrate 185.70g	68%
Dietary Fiber 20.30g	73%
Total Sugars 40.30g
Protein 189.90g	380%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 3359mg	258%
Iron 21mg	117%
Potassium 3863mg	82%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.6%

Protein: 24.0%

Carbs: 23.4%