A classic Italian casserole that never goes out of style, Pasta Al Forno is a comforting, cheesy delight that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and melted mozzarella come together in a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in.

Ready Time

1 hrs

Yields

9 servings

Ingredients

500g pasta of your choice (e.g. penne, rigatoni or fusilli)
300g ground beef
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 cup of grated mozzarella cheese
1 cup of grated parmesan cheese
250ml tomato sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then set aside.

In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in the tomato sauce and bring to a simmer.

Let it cook for 5 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the meat sauce, and a cup of the grated mozzarella cheese.

Mix well to combine.

Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Make sure to choose a pasta shape that holds onto the meat sauce well, like penne or rigatoni. If using fusilli, break it in half before cooking to prevent it from getting tangled.

Don’t overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook a bit in the oven.

For a vegetarian option, swap the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or eggplant. You can also customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, to the meat sauce.

If you prefer a spicier sauce, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.

To make ahead, prepare the meat sauce and pasta mixture, then refrigerate or freeze until ready to assemble and bake. This dish freezes well, so consider making a double batch and saving some for later.