Imagine a steaming dish of perfectly baked pasta, bubbling with golden cheese, rich meat sauce, and the irresistible aroma of Italian home cooking. This Pasta al Forno is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality deliciousness right in your own dining room.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- Pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- Ground beef
- Tomato sauce
- Onion
- Garlic
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic, then sauté them until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is completely browned and no pink remains, about 8-10 minutes.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, stirring to combine with the meat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes to develop rich flavors.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta (penne or rigatoni) until it is al dente, typically 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
- In the baking dish, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, mixing thoroughly. If the mixture seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water.
- Sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese, ensuring even coverage. Top with grated Parmesan cheese for additional flavor.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the pasta rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh basil or additional Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your authentic Italian Pasta al Forno!
Tips
- Always cook pasta al dente - it continues cooking in the oven, so slightly undercooked pasta prevents mushiness.
- Use high-quality, fresh ingredients for the most authentic flavor.
- Don't skip letting the dish rest after baking - this helps the cheese set and makes serving easier.
- For extra richness, you can mix some ricotta cheese into the meat sauce.
- Choose a baking dish that allows ingredients to spread evenly for consistent cooking.
- If you prefer a crispier top, broil the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like adding pecorino or provolone for unique flavor profiles.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
