Pasta al Forno is a beloved Italian comfort dish made with cooked pasta tossed in a savory tomato meat sauce, layered with béchamel and cheese, and baked until bubbling and golden. It’s the perfect weekend dinner or family-style meal that’s even better as leftovers.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the pasta and cook until just under al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium.
Add diced onion and cook until softened.
Add garlic and ground beef. Cook until browned.
Pour in crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, toss cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Add half of the mozzarella and all of the béchamel, if using.
Spoon the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13" baking dish.
Top with remaining mozzarella and sprinkle with Parmesan.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Uncover and bake another 5 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Servings 6
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
I’m Anthony, the creator behind RoosterChef, and I’m so glad you’re here! I’m on a mission to inspire people to cook delicious, restaurant-quality meals at home. Whether you’re looking for quick weeknight dinners, impressive date night dishes, or comfort food with a twist, I’ve got you covered.
