This comforting Pasta al Forno is a classic Italian-style baked pasta dish made with tender short pasta, a rich tomato and beef sauce, creamy ricotta, and a golden layer of melted cheese. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for sharing at family dinners or gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful, oven-baked meal that feels both cozy and special. It’s easy to prepare, feeds a crowd, and can be made ahead of time. The balance of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and stretchy mozzarella makes every bite comforting and indulgent without being complicated.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Short pasta (rigatoni or ziti): 400 g
Ground beef: 300 g
Ricotta cheese: 250 g
Mozzarella cheese, shredded: 200 g
Parmesan cheese, grated: 60 g
Tomato passata: 700 ml
Onion, finely chopped: 1 medium (120 g)
Garlic, minced: 2 cloves (about 6 g)
Olive oil: 3 tablespoons (45 ml)
Salt: 2 teaspoons
Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon

Directions

Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F).

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.

Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5–7 minutes until soft and translucent.

Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the ground beef and cook until well browned, breaking it up with a spoon.

Pour in the tomato passata, then add the salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently for 15 minutes to develop flavor.

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce and ricotta cheese, mixing until evenly coated.

Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan.

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4–6 people

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total time: approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes

Variations

You can add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the meat sauce for extra texture and flavor.
For a richer taste, mix a small amount of cream into the ricotta before combining it with the pasta.
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the oregano slightly and add fresh basil after baking.
For a cheese-forward version, increase the mozzarella to 250 g for an extra-melty topping.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Pasta al Forno in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 170°C (340°F) oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.
Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave, covered, to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I make Pasta al Forno ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to one day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it before baking.

Should I cook the pasta fully before baking?

No, cooking the pasta until al dente is best so it doesn’t become too soft after baking.

Can I freeze Pasta al Forno?

Yes, it freezes well. Let it cool completely, then freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months.

How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?

Make sure there is enough sauce mixed with the pasta and keep the dish covered when reheating.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta with ridges or tubes works well, as it holds the sauce nicely.

Is ricotta necessary?

Ricotta adds creaminess, but you can substitute it with a similar soft cheese if needed.

Can I make this dish spicier?

You can add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce while it simmers for extra heat.

What size baking dish should I use?

A medium-sized rectangular or oval baking dish that holds about 2.5 liters works well.

Can I reduce the amount of cheese?

Yes, you can slightly reduce the cheese, but it will affect the richness and texture.

How long should it rest before serving?

Let it rest for about 10 minutes so the layers set and it’s easier to serve.

Conclusion

Pasta al Forno is a timeless baked pasta dish that brings comfort and flavor to the table with minimal effort. With its rich meat sauce, creamy interior, and golden cheese topping, it’s a reliable recipe you’ll return to whenever you want a satisfying and crowd-pleasing meal.

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