10-Minute Comfort Food Pasta Bake

 

A Quick and Cozy Weeknight Dinner

Ingredients:

• 250 g (about ½ lb) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or broken lasagna sheets – pre-cooked/al dente)

• 250 g (½ lb) ground beef (or turkey/chicken)

• 1 jar (about 2 cups) marinara or tomato pasta sauce

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp olive oil

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme)

• 200 g (about 1½ cups) shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup ricotta (or cottage cheese/cream cheese for shortcut)

• Salt & pepper, to taste

Quick Steps:

Quick Steps:

1. Cook the Pasta (if not pre-cooked):

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Meat Sauce (5 minutes):

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

• Sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.

• Add ground meat and cook until browned.

• Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.

• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Assemble the Bake (2–3 minutes):

In an oven-safe dish:

• Layer pasta → meat sauce → spoonfuls of ricotta → mozzarella and Parmesan.

• Repeat layers until the dish is full.

• Finish with a generous layer of mozzarella on top.

4. Bake or Broil (5 minutes):

Place under a hot oven broiler or bake at 220°C (425°F) for about 5 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Optional Add-Ins:

• Sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies

• A pinch of chili flakes for spice

• Swap ground meat for lentils or veggie crumbles for a vegetarian version