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Homemade Pasta Bake Recipe

A hearty and cheesy baked pasta dish with rich tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 850 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pasta

  • 500 g dried rigatoni or penne pasta preferably dried
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 500 g beef mince 15-20% fat for best flavour
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 800 g tinned chopped tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato purée
  • 250 ml beef stock
  • 1 teaspoon salt plus more for pasta water
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 300 g full-fat mozzarella cut into 1cm cubes
  • 80 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • a small handful fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente, then drain and reserve some pasta water.
  • Brown beef in olive oil, then add diced onion, garlic, oregano, and thyme; cook until fragrant and beef is browned.
  • Stir in tomato purée, chopped tomatoes, and beef stock; simmer until thickened. Adjust with reserved pasta water if needed.
  • Combine pasta with sauce, then layer in a baking dish with cheese, topping with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  • Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Rest for 5-7 minutes before serving, garnished with basil.

Notes

For a richer flavor, let the sauce simmer longer to develop depth.
Keyword pasta