When it comes to comforting and satisfying meals, a delicious pasta bake certainly tops the list.
Today, we will be exploring a delightful bow pasta bake recipe that combines the goodness of bow-shaped pasta, a rich tomato sauce, melted cheese, and savory herbs. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Let’s dive right in!.
Gather Your Ingredients
To prepare this scrumptious bow pasta bake, you will need the following ingredients:.
- 1 pound of bow-shaped pasta
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s proceed with the step-by-step instructions:.
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your pasta bake cooks evenly and acquires that perfect golden crust.
2. Cook the Bow Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow-shaped pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Tomato Sauce
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant.
4. Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the saucepan and cook until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Make sure to break up any large chunks of meat with a wooden spoon while it cooks.
5. Add the Tomato Paste and Crushed Tomatoes
Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, dried basil, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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6. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked bow-shaped pasta to the saucepan with the tomato sauce. Gently stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
7. Layer and Bake
Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top, creating a delightful cheesy layer.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil or a lid and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld even further and the cheese to melt to gooey perfection.
8. Uncover and Broil
Remove the foil or lid and broil the pasta bake for an additional 3-5 minutes until the cheese on top becomes golden and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
9. Garnish and Serve
Once the pasta bake is out of the oven, garnish it with fresh basil leaves for an added touch of freshness and aroma. Let it cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your tongue.
10. Enjoy Your Delicious Bow Pasta Bake
Serve the bow pasta bake straight from the baking dish, ensuring each serving has a generous amount of cheesy goodness on top. This scrumptious dish pairs well with a side salad or some garlic bread.
Now, you are ready to satisfy your cravings with this delightful bow pasta bake. Enjoy the comforting combination of bow-shaped pasta, rich tomato sauce, melted cheese, and satisfying herbs.
Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a delightful gathering with friends, this dish is bound to impress. Bon appétit!.
