Picture a comforting dish that layers tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese. This lasagna pasta bake is just that, a delightful combination that will have your family asking for seconds. It’s an easy recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
What makes this lasagna pasta bake special is its versatility. You can customize it with your favorite veggies or even make it vegetarian by omitting the meat. The layers of cheese melt perfectly, creating a deliciously creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the robust flavors of the sauce.
Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this lasagna pasta bake promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread, and you’ll have a complete meal that everyone will love.
The Comfort of Layers
Lasagna is often regarded as a go-to comfort food, prized for its hearty ingredients and satisfying layers. This lasagna pasta bake brings a delightful twist to tradition, combining perfectly cooked noodles with a rich meat sauce and generous helpings of melted cheese.
The beauty of this dish lies in its layers. Each layer tells a story of flavor, from the savory meat sauce to the creamy ricotta and the golden, bubbling mozzarella on top. When served hot, the aroma wafts through the air, inviting everyone to gather around the table.
A Savory Meat Sauce
The meat sauce is where the magic begins. Ground beef or Italian sausage is cooked with onions and garlic, creating a flavorful base. Adding marinara sauce elevates the dish, infusing it with a rich taste that complements the creamy cheese layers.
Simmering the sauce for just the right amount of time allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. This step is essential for achieving that perfect balance that makes each bite a delight. Spices such as oregano and basil enhance the sauce, bringing a touch of Italy to your table.
Cheesy Goodness
The cheese filling is another star of the show. A blend of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella creates a creamy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the robust meat sauce. This mixture is not only delicious but also provides a satisfying richness that makes the dish stand out.
Incorporating an egg into the cheese mixture helps bind everything together, ensuring that each slice maintains its shape while still being delightfully gooey. The layers of cheese melt into each other, creating a harmonious blend that is simply irresistible.
Building the Perfect Bake
Layering the ingredients is both an art and a science. Starting with a base of meat sauce, noodles are laid out followed by the cheese mixture, repeating the process until everything is stacked high. The final layer of noodles topped with remaining sauce and mozzarella creates that signature golden crust.
Covering the dish with foil during the initial baking allows the flavors to meld while keeping moisture locked in, resulting in tender noodles. Removing the foil towards the end ensures a beautifully brown top that’s just begging to be served.
The Satisfying Finish
Patience pays off when it comes time to slice this delectable dish. Allowing the lasagna pasta bake to cool for a short period helps the layers set, making it easier to serve. Each slice reveals the glorious layers of pasta, meat, and cheese, making it an instant centerpiece on your dinner table.
Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness against the backdrop of rich flavors. Pairing this dish with garlic bread creates a complete meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This lasagna pasta bake shines at family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings with friends. Its versatility allows for customization, making it easy to adapt to different tastes. Whether you prefer extra vegetables or a lighter version, the foundation remains the same: comfort and flavor in every bite.
With its hearty nature and satisfying taste, this dish not only fills the stomach but also warms the heart. It’s a reminder of home-cooked meals shared with loved ones and the joy of gathering around the table.
The Ultimate Cheesy Meat Lasagna Pasta Bake
This lasagna pasta bake is a hearty and satisfying dish made with layers of pasta, a savory meat sauce, and a blend of cheeses, baked to perfection. It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, making it a go-to recipe for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage, onion, and garlic until the meat is browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Mix the Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Layer the Bake: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Layer 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, then spread half of the ricotta mixture on top, followed by a layer of meat sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers, finishing with noodles, meat sauce, and remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the lasagna pasta bake to cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g