Baked Pasta with Cheese and Meat: A Comforting, Cheesy Delight

Introduction
Baked Pasta with Cheese and Meat is the ultimate comfort food, combining hearty pasta, rich tomato sauce, savory meat, and a gooey, melty layer of cheese. This dish is a family favorite, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with loved ones. It’s incredibly satisfying and easy to make, offering a delicious balance of flavors and textures. The combination of ground beef, flavorful seasonings, and layers of cheese creates a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients
For the meat sauce:
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the pasta:
12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti work best)
1 tablespoon salt (for the pasta water)
For the cheese filling:
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How to Make
Step 1: Cook the pasta