When it comes to comfort food that hugs you from the inside out, Creamy Pasta al Forno is like a warm blanket on a chilly night—or maybe like that last episode of your favorite series, you know, the one you can’t stop thinking about. Imagine layers of pasta embracing gooey cheese, with a sauce so creamy it practically whispers sweet nothings as it bakes to perfection. My cousin swears by adding a hint of nutmeg, though I can’t quite decide if it’s genius or madness—but that’s what makes cooking an adventure, right?
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large frying pan or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once browned, add tomato sauce, gravy, half-and-half, Parmesan cheese, garlic, oregano, and basil, then let the mixture simmer for 30 minutes.
- While the meat sauce is simmering, boil a large pot of lightly salted water. Cook the ziti pasta in the boiling water until it is al dente, roughly 10 to 12 minutes, and then drain the pasta.
- Combine the cooked ziti with the meat sauce, mixing well. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly, then sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake the dish in the preheated oven until the cheese is bubbly and melted, approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 1 pound of lean ground beef
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) of tomato sauce
- 12 ounces of brown gravy
- ½ cup of half-and-half
- ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 package (16 ounces) of dry ziti pasta
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3920 | Total Fat: 168g | Saturated Fat: 80g | Cholesterol: 1064mg | Sodium: 8168mg | Total Carbohydrate: 392g | Dietary Fiber: 24g | Total Sugars: 56g | Protein: 208g | Vitamin C: 64mg | Calcium: 1480mg | Iron: 32mg | Potassium: 4368mg
FAQ
- Can I substitute the ground beef with another type of meat?
- Yes, you can replace the ground beef with other meats like ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative if you prefer a vegetarian version.
- Is it possible to use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
- Absolutely, you can use different pasta shapes such as penne or rigatoni. Just ensure to cook it until it’s tender yet firm to the bite before mixing it with the sauce.
- How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- To make the recipe dairy-free, substitute the half-and-half with a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free cheese options for both the Parmesan and mozzarella.
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the baked pasta ahead of time. Assemble the dish and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- What can I serve with baked pasta?
- Baked pasta pairs well with a fresh green salad and garlic bread. These sides complement the dish and provide a balanced meal.
Tips
- To enhance the flavor of the ground beef, consider seasoning it with salt and pepper during the browning process before adding other ingredients.
- For a creamier texture, replace half-and-half with heavy cream, which will make the sauce richer without altering the overall flavor significantly.
- If you prefer a more al dente texture, cook the pasta for a minute less than the package instructions suggest, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Let the baked pasta rest for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven to allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together before serving.
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large frying pan or Dutch oven
- Large pot
