My Baked Bolognese Pasta is a delightful fusion of rich flavors and comforting textures. This hearty dish features a savory blend of ground beef and Italian sausage simmered in a delicious meat sauce, combined with al dente rigatoni and creamy parmesan cheese. Whether you're looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a standout meal for a family gathering, this bolognese pasta bake recipe is both satisfying and impressive. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, it's sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Enjoy this crowd-pleaser that promises to be a favorite for any meal.
I have a special fondness for comforting, home-cooked meals, and this cheesy Bolognese Pasta Bake always takes me back to cherished family gatherings. My grandma used to make a similar dish, filling our home with the rich aroma of simmering meat sauce and melting cheese. Her pasta recipe was a beloved staple, combining ground beef with a hearty tomato sauce and plenty of parmesan cheese. For me, this cheesy bolognese pasta bake is more than just a pasta recipe—it’s a warm reminder of those family dinners where everyone gathered around the table. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights but always feels like a treat, just like Grandma’s special touch. This dish has a way of bringing everyone together, making any meal feel a little more special and nostalgic.
Looking for more meay pasta dishes? Try my Baked Ziti, Rigatoni Bolognese, Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, Baked Lasagna, and Calabrian Chili Italian Sausage Pasta.
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🌟 Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Hearty and Flavorful: This Bolognese Bake blends ground beef and Italian sausage in a rich, savory meat sauce with just the right amount of parmesan cheese. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish that brings a satisfying taste of home to any meal.
- Simple and Convenient: With easy steps and straightforward ingredients, this pasta recipe is a breeze to prepare. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you need a hearty meal quickly, yet special enough to serve for family gatherings or holiday dinners.
- Crowd-Pleasing and Versatile: Whether you're hosting a large family dinner or a casual get-together, this cheesy bolognese pasta bake is sure to impress. Its creamy, cheesy topping and robust flavors make it a standout dish that’s both comforting and impressive for any occasion.
🥘 Ingredients
- Ground Beef or Beef Mince – Adds a hearty, meaty flavor to the pasta bake, providing a rich base for the sauce. Browned to enhance its savory taste and blend seamlessly with the other ingredients.
- Italian Sausage – Contributes a delicious, spiced flavor that elevates the overall taste of the dish. Cooked until browned and crumbled, adding a robust depth to the meat sauce.
- Chopped Onion – Brings a sweet, aromatic base to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Sautéed until softened to create a savory foundation for the meat sauce.
- Chopped Carrot – Adds a subtle sweetness and a slight crunch, balancing the rich flavors of the meat sauce. Finely chopped to integrate smoothly into the dish.
- Chopped Celery – Provides a crisp, slightly peppery element that complements the other vegetables and adds depth to the sauce. Finely chopped to blend seamlessly into the meat mixture.
- Garlic – Infuses the sauce with a robust, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the pasta bake. Minced and sautéed to release its natural sweetness.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Used to sauté the vegetables and adds a light, fruity flavor to the meat sauce. Essential for cooking the onions, carrots, and celery to perfection.
- Petite Diced Tomatoes – Form the base of the sauce, providing a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that melds with the meat and spices. Creates a rich, tomatoey sauce that coats the pasta. You can also use whole tomatoes crushed by hand, tomato passata, pasta sauce, or tomato purée.
- Tomato Paste – Thickens the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor, adding a deep richness to the meat sauce.
- Dried Basil – Adds a fragrant, herbal note to the sauce, complementing the tomato and meat flavors. A key herb that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Dried Parsley – Provides a mild, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the meat sauce. Adds a subtle herbaceous note to the dish.
- Rigatoni – The pasta of choice for this recipe, offering a hearty shape that holds the sauce well. Its ridged surface helps to capture the flavorful meat sauce.
- Heavy Cream – Adds a rich, creamy texture to the sauce, making it velvety and smooth. Enhances the overall mouthfeel and contributes to the dish’s indulgent quality.
- Grated Parmesan – Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and helps to create a delicious, golden-brown crust on top of the bake. Mixed into the sauce and used as a topping for extra flavor.
- Shredded Mozzarella – Provides a gooey, melty cheese layer that adds a comforting, cheesy finish to the bake. Melts beautifully on top, creating a bubbly, golden crust.
See recipe card for quantities.
🔪 Step by Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the Vegetables: Place a large Dutch oven over medium heat or medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add 1 cup of chopped onions, 1 cup of chopped carrots, and 1 cup of chopped celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Brown the Meats: Add ½ pound of Italian sausage and ½ pound of ground beef to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into crumbles. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked.
Add Garlic and Seasoning: Season with ½ teaspoon of salt and add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.
Incorporate Tomato Ingredients: Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Add 28 ounces of petite diced tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of dried basil, and 1 tablespoon of dried parsley. Mix well and let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes.
Cook the Pasta: Increase the heat to high and add 1½ cups of water and ½ teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, stir in 8 ounces of rigatoni. Reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot, and cook for 10 minutes.
Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and ¼ cup of grated parmesan cheese. Mix until combined.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Carefully transfer the mixture to a casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Top with ¼ cup of grated parmesan cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake the Pasta Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Allow the pasta bake to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to portion out. Enjoy!
👩🏼🍳 Chef's Tips
- Undercook the Pasta Slightly: For the best texture, cook the rigatoni just until it's al dente before adding it to the sauce. This prevents the pasta from becoming too soft during the baking process.
- Sauté the Vegetables Thoroughly: Make sure to cook the onions, carrots, and celery until they are well softened and slightly caramelized. This step enhances the depth of flavor in the meat sauce.
- Brown the Meat Well: Ensure the ground beef and Italian sausage are browned completely. This step adds a rich, savory flavor and texture to the sauce.
- Adjust the Seasonings: Taste the meat sauce before mixing in the pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or dried herbs to match your taste preferences.
- Monitor the Baking Time: Baking times can vary depending on your oven. Check for a bubbly, golden-brown top as an indicator that the pasta bake is ready. If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
Different Meats: You can swap out the ground beef and Italian sausage for other types of ground meat, such as turkey or chicken. Ground turkey will give a lighter flavor, while ground chicken will add a milder taste. Both options work well, but they might not have the same depth of flavor as the original combination.
Different Pasta Shapes: If you don’t have rigatoni on hand, feel free to use other pasta shapes like pasta shells, penne, ziti, or even macaroni. Just make sure to cook the pasta until it’s al dente to avoid it becoming too soft during baking.
Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese to change the flavor profile of the dish. Instead of grated parmesan, you could use pecorino romano for a sharper taste. For the mozzarella, you might try provolone or fontina for a different melting texture and flavor.
Add Extra Veggies: For added nutrition and flavor, consider mixing in additional vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Sauté these vegetables along with the onions, carrots, and celery to incorporate them into the meat sauce.
Spice It Up: If you prefer a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat sauce. This will introduce a bit of heat and enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine, such as a Chianti or a Merlot, pairs wonderfully with the rich, meaty flavors of the cheesy Bolognese recipe. For a white wine option, a creamy Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce and balances the dish’s savory notes.
Green Salad: A crisp, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is an excellent side dish. The freshness and acidity of the salad provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy pasta bake. Add some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Garlic Bread: Serve the pasta bake with a side of garlic bread for a classic and comforting combination. The crunchy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce and adds a deliciously crunchy texture to the meal.
Steamed Vegetables: Complement the pasta bake with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli, garlic green beans, or candied carrots. The light, healthy veggies offer a nice contrast to the hearty, creamy pasta, adding color and nutrition to your plate.
Extra Cheese: For an extra indulgent touch, top the pasta bake with additional shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of baking. This creates an even more gooey, cheesy crust that adds to the dish’s comforting appeal. You can even try adding a alfredo cheese sauce on top!
💭 Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can prepare this Bolognese pasta bake ahead of time. Assemble the dish up to the point of baking, then cover it with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the covering and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 35-40 minutes, or until it is bubbly and heated through. If baking from frozen, increase the baking time to 60-75 minutes, checking that the center is fully heated.
If you need a substitute for heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. For a richer texture similar to heavy cream, you can use evaporated milk. If you prefer a dairy-free option, try using coconut milk or a cashew cream, which will add a different flavor but still provide a creamy consistency. Keep in mind that substitutions may slightly alter the taste and texture of the final dish.
🥣 Storage & Reheating
Storage: The Bolognese pasta bake will keep for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Make sure to let the pasta bake cool completely before refrigerating to maintain the best texture.
Freezing: To freeze, transfer the cooled pasta bake to an airtight container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Thawing: Thaw the pasta bake in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, place it in a covered baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes, or until heated through. If it seems dry, you can add a splash of milk or broth before reheating to help keep it moist.
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🥗 Pairing Recommendations
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📋 Recipe
Homemade Baked Bolognese Pasta with Cheesy Topping
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Equipment
- Large Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Casserole dish
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and measuring spoons
- Garlic press or knife
- Colander
- Can opener
- Oven mitts
Ingredients
- 1 cup onion diced
- 1 cup carrot diced
- 1 cup celery diced
- ½ pound Italian sausage
- ½ pound ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt divided
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 28 ounces petite diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 8 ounces rigatoni
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
Instructions
- Heat oil: In a large Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sauté vegetables: Add 1 cup chopped onions, 1 cup chopped carrots, and 1 cup chopped celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Cook meats: Add ½ pound Italian sausage and ½ pound ground beef, breaking them up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked.
- Season and add garlic: Season with ½ teaspoon salt, then add 2 cloves minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add tomato paste and tomatoes: Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste, then add 28 ounces petite diced tomatoes, 1 tablespoon dried parsley, and 1 tablespoon dried basil. Stir until combined and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Cook pasta: Increase heat to high, add 1½ cups water (you can add more if needed) and ½ teaspoon salt, and bring to a boil. Add 8 ounces rigatoni, reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook for 10 minutes.
- Preheat oven: Set to 350ºF.
- Add cream and cheese: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and ¼ cup grated parmesan.
- Transfer and bake: Transfer mixture to a casserole dish, spread evenly. Top with remaining ¼ cup grated parmesan and 1 cup shredded mozzarella. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and lightly browned.
🌡️ Food safety
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
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