Description
A wonderfully comforting dish combining tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheese in a layered bake.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow or shells pasta
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup milk (any kind)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage
- ½ cup diced onions
- ½ cup diced green bell peppers
- 3–4 cloves minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons sugar or sweetener
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey/sausage) and cook it, breaking it up as it browns. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Italian seasoning, sugar (or sweetener), salt, and pepper to taste. Stir in the onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook everything together until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and stir well. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Once done, set it aside.
- In a separate large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, creating a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer, whisking until it thickens.
- Lower the heat and add the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and stir until all the noodles are fully coated.
- In a baking dish, add a layer of the meat sauce followed by a layer of the cheesy pasta. Next, add ricotta cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella. Repeat with another layer of meat sauce and cheesy pasta.
- Top the last layer with 1 cup of cheddar cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella.
- Cover the dish with foil, lightly spraying the foil with oil to prevent sticking. Bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the top is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.
- For an extra crispy top, broil for 3-5 minutes.
- Allow the dish to rest for 10–15 minutes before cutting.
Notes
Ensure to cook the pasta al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven. Let the dish rest after baking for easier cutting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg