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Mozzarella e Carne Macinata al Forno (Mozzarella and Ground Beef Bake)

Italian1 Hour
Punchline

Savor the rich flavors of Italy tonight with a comforting and cheesy bake that’s easy to prepare!

ingredients
ground beef1pound
mozzarella2cups
tomato sauce2cups
pasta2cups
onion1
garlic3cloves
olive oil2tablespoons
salt1teaspoon
pepper1teaspoon
basil1teaspoon
instructions
    1

    Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).

    2

    In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

    3

    Add 1 chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, and sauté for 5 minutes until the onion is soft.

    4

    Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Cook for about 10 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until it's browned and cooked through.

    5

    Stir in 2 cups of tomato sauce, add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

    6

    While the sauce simmers, cook 2 cups of pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    7

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef sauce.

    8

    In a baking dish, layer half of the pasta-beef mixture, half of 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, and then the remaining pasta-beef mixture.

    9

    Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

    10

    Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

    11

    Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve warm.

Servings

6

How to be creative
  • Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients.
  • Use a mix of cheeses such as cheddar or parmesan for a flavor twist.
  • Spice it up with red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce in the sauce.
Important Tips
  • Make sure the pasta isn't overcooked; it should be firm since it will bake in the oven.
  • Simmer the sauce longer for a more concentrated flavor.
  • Try adding a breadcrumb topping for extra crunch before baking.
nutritions
  • fat: 20 grams
  • protein: 30 grams
  • calories: 500
  • carbohydrates: 50 grams
Health impact

This dish provides a balanced mix of protein and carbohydrates, making it a filling meal suitable for those looking to maintain energy levels.

Mozzarella and Ground Beef Bake (Mozzarella e Carne Macinata al Forno)