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Rosemary Garlic Smashed Potatoes

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This Cheesy Pasta Bake is a warm, comforting dish loaded with pasta, marinara sauce, and a blend of gooey cheeses. Baked to perfection with a golden, bubbly topping, it’s an easy, family-friendly meal perfect for weeknights or potlucks!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained (optional)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes, until browned. Drain excess grease.
  3. Stir in onion and garlic, cooking for another 2 minutes until softened.
  4. Add marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  5. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Assemble the Pasta Bake

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  2. Pour in the meat sauce and stir until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Bake the Dish

  1. Transfer pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese.
  3. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  4. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

  1. Let the pasta bake cool for 5 minutes before serving.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and enjoy!

Notes

  • Make It Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
  • Spicy Option: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or extra red pepper flakes.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
  • Freezing: Freeze unbaked for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 15 extra minutes.

Find it online: https://ukfinda.com/rosemary-garlic-smashed-potatoes/