Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Italy with this wonderful pasta al forno recipe. Baked to perfection, this hearty dish combines pasta, a rich tomato sauce, creamy béchamel, and a golden layer of melted cheese. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that will go down as a great winter treat.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces of pasta of your choice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1 pound of ground beef or plant-based meat alternative
- 1 tin of crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until softened. Add ground beef or plant-based alternative, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour, whisking to form a roux. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until a smooth béchamel sauce forms. Combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Transfer half to a baking dish.
- Pour half of the béchamel sauce over the pasta. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat with the remaining pasta, béchamel sauce, and cheeses.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
