BEST ITALIAN BAKE

A delicious Italian-inspired casserole with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and melted cheese.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 box (16 ounces) rigatoni pasta
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Preparation Time: 45 minutes Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

  • Calories: 465
  • Fat: 19.8g
  • Carbohydrates: 39.5g
  • Protein: 30.9g
  • Sodium: 821mg

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the meat is browned and the onion is tender. Drain the fat.
  3. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions. Drain.
  5. Spread half of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with half of the cooked rigatoni.
  6. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the pasta. Repeat the layers with the remaining meat sauce, pasta, and cheeses.
  7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.