Name: Layers of Comfort
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American-Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 0.5 lb Italian sausage 1 small onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp dried basil; 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes 28 oz can crushed tomatoes 2 tbsp tomato paste; 0.5 cup water Salt and pepper, to taste 12 oz ziti or rigatoni pasta; 1.5 cups ricotta cheese 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 egg Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Imagine digging into a warm, bubbling dish with gooey layers of cheese, tender pasta, savory meat, and just the right touch of herbs and spice. That’s what “Layers of Comfort” delivers—a cozy, hearty baked pasta dish that wraps you in flavor with every bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or prepping for a week’s worth of satisfying meals, this recipe is your go-to for rustic indulgence.

Each layer in this dish is crafted with intention. The meat is browned to perfection, the sauce is simmered for depth, and the cheese melts into golden, creamy bliss. It’s familiar yet elevated, like a hug in casserole form. It also reheats beautifully, making it a top choice for meal prepping or next-day lunches.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

For this recipe, sturdy shapes like ziti, rigatoni, or penne hold up best to layering and baking. Their ridges catch the sauce, and they don’t turn to mush during the second bake. Avoid delicate noodles like angel hair—this is a robust, comfort-heavy dish.

Ingredients for the Layers of Comfort

1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb Italian sausage (optional, for extra flavor)
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 cup water
Salt and pepper, to taste
12 oz ziti or rigatoni pasta
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

How To Make the Layers of Comfort

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta until just al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and sausage over medium heat until browned. Add diced onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and water. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until thickened.

Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Layer

In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, half the Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.

Step 4: Layer and Assemble

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13″ baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Add a layer of pasta, spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture, sprinkle mozzarella, and repeat. Finish with meat sauce and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden. Rest 10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve and Store This Layered Pasta Delight

Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or basil and an optional sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick. This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread and a crisp green salad.

To store, cover the cooled leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It also freezes well—wrap individual portions and thaw overnight before reheating in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t eat beef?

You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble everything the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Is there a vegetarian version?

Yes! Skip the meat and bulk up the sauce with mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese works well, just blend it for a smoother texture.

What’s the best way to reheat it?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil until warmed through. Microwave works too but can dry it out a bit.

Want More Comfort Food Ideas?

If you love this cozy layered dish, here are more comforting favorites you might crave next:

Funeral Potatoes—creamy, cheesy, and topped with buttery crunch.
Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole—a nostalgic favorite with a tangy twist.
One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta—less mess, more flavor.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts—pan-seared and perfect over pasta or rice.
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta—the classic comfort casserole.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the cheese? Swap out the meat? Try a spicy twist?

I love seeing how others personalize these recipes. Got a question? Drop it below—I’m happy to help!

Find more cozy recipes and everyday inspiration on my Pinterest: Nina Dishes

Layers of Comfort

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Layers of Comfort is a baked pasta dish loaded with savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and herbs. Each forkful is a cozy bite of homemade warmth—perfect for gatherings or weeknight cravings.

Instructions

1. Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta until just al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and sausage over medium heat until browned. Add diced onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and water. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until thickened.

3. In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg, half the Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.

4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13″ baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Add a layer of pasta, spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture, sprinkle mozzarella, and repeat. Finish with meat sauce and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

5. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden. Rest 10 minutes before serving.