Pasta Al Forno
Tonight is the night to whip up this amazingly delicious Pasta al Forno recipe, featuring a luscious meat sauce and tender rigatoni.
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 50 minutes mins
Resting time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8 servings
Calories 562 kcal
- 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
- 1 medium yellow onion peeled and grated/processed in food processor
- 2 large carrots peeled and grated/processed in food processor
- 3 stalks celery grated/processed in food processor
- 2 cloves garlic grated/processed in food processor
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 lb. sweet Italian sausage ground or removed from casings
- 14 oz. canned tomato puree
- 14 oz. canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp. tomato paste
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp. oregano dried
- 1 tbsp. thyme leaves dried
- 1 tbsp. parsley dried
- 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tsp. all spice ground
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 tsp. kosher salt
- 2 tsp. black pepper coarsely ground
- 1 lb. pasta rigatoni, ziti, or penne would be best
- 2 tbsp. salt to season pasta water
- 8 oz. mozzarella cheese shredded
- 2 oz. parmesan cheese shredded
Make the Pasta Sauce
In a large cast skillet set to medium high, heat extra virgin olive oil for about 1 minute. Add grated onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is dry and translucent.
Add ground beef and sausage, using a wooden spoon to break up the large pieces of meat. Brown the meat, about 7 minutes.
Add the tomato puree, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, oregano, thyme, parsley, red pepper flakes, all spice, bay leaves, salt and pepper.
Stir, bring sauce to a boil and then reduce to a simmer on medium low heat.
Continue to simmer sauce while the pasta cooks, about 15 minutes.
Cook the Pasta
While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Add pasta and 2 tbsp. salt to the boiling water, and cook the pasta according to package instructions.
Drain the pasta and return noodles to the pot in which they were cooked.
Prepare the Casserole
Pour sauced noodles into the prepared casserole dish.
Sprinkle the noodles with shredded mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese.
Bake at 350°F/175°C until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned, about 20 minutes.
Remove from oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Serving: 1servingCalories: 562kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 30gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 111mgSodium: 3071mgPotassium: 1126mgFiber: 6gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 4485IUVitamin C: 24mgCalcium: 383mgIron: 6mg