Description
A delicious and comforting cheesy pasta bake featuring a savory meat sauce and creamy cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow or shells pasta
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup milk (Any milk will work)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage
- ½ cup diced onions
- ½ cup diced green bell peppers
- 3–4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons sugar or sweetener
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbows until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as it browns. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the Italian seasoning, sugar or sweetener, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss in the onions, bell peppers, and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add marinara sauce and stir. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Set aside.
- In a separate large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, whisking until thickened.
- Turn heat to low. Add the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and stir until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked elbows into the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated.
- In a baking dish, add a layer of meat sauce followed by cheesy pasta. Then add ricotta and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Repeat with a layer of meat sauce and cheesy pasta. Sprinkle 1 cup of cheddar and 1 cup of mozzarella on top.
- Cover the dish with foil (spraying foil with a little oil to prevent sticking). Bake for 30-35 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and the cheese is melted and browned.
- Broil the lasagna for 3-5 minutes until crisp on top.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before cutting to hold layers.
Notes
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked when ready.
- You can adjust the type of meat or cheese based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg