Million Dollar Pasta Bake (1 Hr, 27 Mins)

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This Million Dollar Pasta Bake is a luxurious and indulgent dish that’s perfect for when you’re craving something extra special.

This pasta bake combines a rich meat sauce with penne pasta, layered with a blend of creamy cheeses and baked to golden perfection.

It’s a dish that’s sure to impress, making it ideal for a cozy family dinner or when entertaining guests.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 77 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour, 27 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Pasta:

  • 1 lb penne pasta

For the Cheese Mixture:

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven (5 minutes): Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook Pasta (10 minutes): Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Prepare Meat Sauce (20 minutes): In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic, cooking until the beef is browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
  4. Mix Cheeses (5 minutes): In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, and the beaten egg. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Assemble the Pasta Bake (10 minutes): In a large baking dish, layer half of the cooked penne pasta. Top with half of the meat sauce and then half of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers.
  6. Top with Remaining Cheese (2 minutes): Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top layer.
  7. Bake (25-30 minutes): Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  8. Serve (5 minutes): Let the pasta bake cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

The key to a perfect Million Dollar Pasta Bake is in the layers. Each layer should be generously applied to create a rich and flavorful experience with every bite.

The combination of different cheeses in the cheese mixture adds a creamy and luxurious texture to the dish. This pasta bake is not only delicious but also visually appealing with its golden cheesy crust.

Serve this dish with a side of crusty bread and a simple side salad and enjoy your meal!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 700
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 40g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Pair this with...

Garlic Bread

Grab a loaf of your favorite bread—baguette or ciabatta are classics. Slice it up, but not all the way through, so it fans out nicely. In a bowl, melt some butter and stir in minced garlic (as much or as little as you like), a sprinkle of salt, and maybe a touch of dried parsley for that extra flair. Generously brush or spread this garlicky goodness between the slices. Wrap the loaf in foil and pop it into a pre-heated oven. When it's golden and aromatic, pull it out and enjoy the buttery, crispy, garlicky delight.

Cheesy Broccoli

Start by washing and cutting your broccoli into florets. Using a steamer or a pot with a little water and a steaming basket, steam the broccoli until it's tender but still vibrant green. While the broccoli is steaming, let's whip up that delectable cheese sauce. In a saucepan, melt some butter and whisk in an equal amount of flour to create a roux. Gradually add milk, continuously whisking to avoid any lumps. Once the mixture starts to thicken, reduce the heat and stir in a good amount of shredded cheddar cheese. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and maybe a touch of mustard or nutmeg if you're feeling fancy. Once it's smooth and velvety, pour the sauce over your freshly steamed broccoli.

Simple Tossed Salad

Start by tearing your iceberg lettuce into bite-sized pieces, ensuring a cool and crunchy base. Thinly slice a red onion, adding a pop of color and a zesty kick. For a refreshing crunch, slice up some cucumber, and for a sweet contrast, add in slivers of red pepper. Once your components are prepped and in the bowl, give everything a good toss, ensuring the ingredients are mixed and every bite will have a little bit of everything. For a simple dressing, squeeze the juice of a fresh lemon over the top, adding a burst of citrusy brightness.

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