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Pasta al Forno

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Pasta al Forno is a classic Italian baked pasta dish layered with rich tomato and beef sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty cheeses. Hearty, comforting, and perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Halal

Ingredients

  • 400 g short pasta (rigatoni or ziti)
  • 300 g ground beef
  • 250 g ricotta cheese
  • 200 g shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 60 g grated Parmesan cheese
  • 700 ml tomato passata
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped (120 g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (6 g)
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (355°F).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté onion for 5–7 minutes until soft.
  4. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
  6. Stir in tomato passata, salt, black pepper, and oregano. Simmer for 15 minutes.
  7. In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with meat sauce and ricotta cheese until evenly coated.
  8. Transfer to a greased baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
  9. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use short pasta with ridges to hold sauce better.
  • Can be assembled a day in advance and refrigerated before baking.
  • Freezes well—cool completely before freezing.
  • Let it rest after baking so layers can set.
  • Increase mozzarella for a cheesier topping.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/pasta-al-forno/