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.
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
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.
Notes
Use al dente pasta to avoid overcooking in the oven.
Let it sit 10 minutes before serving to firm up the layers.
Freeze in individual portions for quick meals.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: baked pasta, comfort food, layered casserole