Description

This comforting pasta dish combines juicy ground beef, savory tomato sauce, and bubbling mozzarella cheese for a hearty, nostalgic dinner that’s easy enough for weeknights and satisfying enough for any occasion.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
1 medium yellow or white onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini)
1 (24 oz) can tomato sauce or passata
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven broiler or set oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 2–3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
Add cooked pasta to the sauce. Stir to combine, adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen.
Top with shredded mozzarella and broil or bake for 5–7 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve warm.

Notes

For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of ricotta before baking.
Great with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted veggies.
Customize with mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach added during the onion step.