Baked pasta with meat sauce and mozzarella is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey, melted mozzarella cheese. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner, and it’s easily customizable to suit your preferences. Whether you choose to spice it up with some chili flakes or opt for a vegetarian version, this baked pasta dish will quickly become a household favorite.
Ingredients
To make this delicious baked pasta with meat sauce and mozzarella, you will need:
- 400 g (14 oz) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your preferred type)
- 50 g (3.5 tablespoons) butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, grated or finely chopped
- 3 tomatoes, chopped, or 1 can (400 g) diced tomatoes
- 400 g (14 oz) minced meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 600 ml (2 1/2 cups) water
- Salt and spices to taste (e.g., black pepper, oregano, basil)
- 150 g (5.3 oz) mozzarella cheese, grated
Ingredient Notes:
- Pasta: Penne and rigatoni are ideal for this dish because their shapes hold the sauce well, but you can use any pasta you like.
- Minced Meat: A mix of beef and pork provides a balanced flavor, but you can use all beef, pork, or even turkey for a leaner option.
- Cheese: Mozzarella is classic for its meltability, but feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar or parmesan for added depth of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Toss it with a small amount of butter or oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and grated carrot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced meat to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 6-8 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and sugar. The sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, or your preferred spices. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Pour in 600 ml (2 1/2 cups) of water and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the meat sauce. Mix well to ensure all the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Transfer the pasta and meat sauce mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta. The cheese will melt beautifully and form a golden-brown crust.
Step 5: Bake
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden-brown on top.
Step 6: Serve
- Remove the baked pasta from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to cut into portions.
- Serve the baked pasta hot, garnished with fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired.
Tips and Variations
- Make it Spicy: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or chopped fresh chili to the meat sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the minced meat with a mix of diced vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a vegetarian version that’s just as hearty and delicious.
- Cheese Variation: Enhance the cheesy flavor by adding a blend of cheeses such as cheddar, parmesan, or provolone along with the mozzarella.
- Herb Boost: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or fresh basil can elevate the flavor of the sauce.
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving
- Protein: 22 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
Serving Suggestions
- With Salad: Serve alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.
- Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up any extra sauce.
- Wine Pairing: Enjoy with a glass of red wine like Chianti or a light-bodied Pinot Noir for a complete Italian dining experience.
Baked pasta with meat sauce and mozzarella is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for a satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress. With its layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and bubbly cheese, this dish will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!