Bolognese Pasta Bake

This Bolognese Pasta Bake beautifully combines traditional Italian flavors with a creative twist. The rich, meaty bolognese sauce is layered with perfectly cooked pasta and topped with a crispy, cheesy crust. It’s a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for family gatherings, and it makes for great leftovers too!

Ingredients:

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
5. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
6. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
7. In a large bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the bolognese sauce and half of the ricotta cheese.
8. Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Dollop the remaining ricotta cheese on top, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.