Imagine a dish that combines the hearty richness of perfectly seasoned ground beef, the silky embrace of al dente linguine, and a blanket of melted, golden cheese that promises to transform an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience. This Baked Linguine with Meat Sauce isn't just a meal—it's a flavor-packed journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy, all while being incredibly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add linguine and cook until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat from the meat.
- Add marinara sauce to the cooked ground beef. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked linguine with the meat sauce. Gently toss to ensure pasta is evenly coated. If the mixture seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use high-quality marinara sauce and freshly grated cheeses.
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Reserve some pasta water to help bind the sauce and prevent dryness.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and flavors to meld.
- For a gourmet touch, add fresh herbs like basil or parsley as a garnish.
- If you want extra richness, mix in a splash of heavy cream with the marinara sauce.
- Use a wide, shallow baking dish to ensure even cheese melting and crispy edges.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 537kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 35g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
