This Savory Pasta and Meat Bake is a comforting and delicious dish that combines tender pasta with flavorful meat sauce and a cheesy topping. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this bake is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, casings removed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound rigatoni, penne, or ziti
- Salt (for pasta water)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for pasta)
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese