Italian Pasta Bake

Dive into the comforting flavors of an Italian Pasta Bake, a hearty casserole that combines tender penne pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich marinara sauce for the ultimate weeknight dinner. This easy-to-make recipe is layered with creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and nutty parmesan cheese, creating a bubbling, golden crust that’s simply irresistible. Infused with classic Italian herbs like basil and oregano, and topped with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish, this bake is pure comfort food elegance. Ready in just an hour, it’s perfect for feeding a family or serving at gatherings. Whether you’re craving cheesy pasta perfection or a flavorful make-ahead dinner, this Italian Pasta Bake is a must-try!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 400 grams dry penne pasta
• 500 grams ground beef
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 700 ml marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 250 grams ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 5

Stir the marinara sauce, dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper into the skillet with the beef. Simmer for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ground beef mixture, and ricotta cheese. Mix until evenly coated.

Step 7

Spread half of the pasta mixture into a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese over the layer.

Step 8

Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, and then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.

Step 9

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbly.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor.

Step 11

Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Italian Pasta Bake!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2317 grams (2317.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4440

Total Fat 232.30g	298%
Saturated Fat 103.00g	515%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 741mg	247%
Sodium 6616mg	288%
Total Carbohydrate 359.40g	131%
Dietary Fiber 21.50g	77%
Total Sugars 34.20g
Protein 250.20g	500%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 3773mg	290%
Iron 18mg	101%
Potassium 2793mg	59%

*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: 46.2%

Protein: 22.1%

Carbs: 31.7%