A comforting and flavorful baked pasta dish that's perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Preheating ensures even cooking and the perfect texture for your dish.
Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Adding a bit of olive oil to the boiling water can prevent the pasta from sticking.
In a skillet, brown the ground beef and sausage over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat for even cooking.
Add the marinara sauce to the skillet with the cooked meat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Simmering the sauce enhances its flavor and allows it to meld with the meat.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Mix thoroughly to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
In a 9x13 baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta, followed by half of the meat sauce, and then the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top.
Layering ensures every bite has a perfect balance of pasta, sauce, and cheese.
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Letting the dish rest for a few minutes after baking makes it easier to serve.
Serve the baked pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
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