Pasta Bake
A comforting and hearty dish made with layers of pasta, ground beef, and creamy cottage cheese, perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 pound rigatoni or penne pasta Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- 1 24-ounce jar tomato sauce
Cheese Layer
- 1 16-ounce container 2% or whole milk cottage cheese Can substitute with ricotta or cream cheese.
- 1 8-ounce bag shredded Italian blend cheese Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella or cheddar.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil.
- Cook the pasta for about 10 minutes or just 1 to 2 minutes before the package directions say; the pasta should still be firm. Drain the pasta.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and cook until it’s warm, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add the drained pasta to the beef and sauce mixture, stirring to combine.
Assembly and Baking
- Pour half of the pasta mixture into a 13x9 inch casserole dish.
- Dollop the cottage cheese on top, then cover with half of the shredded cheese.
- Spread the remaining pasta mixture on top and finish with the rest of the cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly browned, about 30 minutes.
- Let the Pasta Bake sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve warm with a fresh green salad or garlic bread. Sprinkle fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top for extra flavor. If you have leftovers, store tightly covered in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.