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As the back-to-school season approaches, families often find themselves navigating a whirlwind of schedules, homework, and extracurricular activities. Amidst this chaos, the struggle to prepare quick, nutritious meals can be daunting. Enter the Cheesy Back To School Pasta Bake—a delightful dish that brings together the comforting flavors of pasta, cheese, and savory fillings in a single, easily manageable recipe. This pasta bake is not only a crowd-pleaser among kids and adults alike but is also an excellent option for busy weeknights when time is of the essence.

Back To School Pasta Bake

As back-to-school season begins, families can enjoy mealtime with the Cheesy Back To School Pasta Bake. This adaptable, hearty dish combines pasta, cheese, and your choice of proteins or veggies for a nutritious meal that's ready in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. Discover customization tips, ingredient substitutions, and how to create a deliciously cheesy, comforting bake that fuels your students for success!
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Ingredients
  

3 cups cooked pasta (penne or fusilli work great)

1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (15 oz) marinara sauce

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup ricotta cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.

      Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

        Combine Ingredients: Add the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

          Mix Pasta and Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce mixture, and ricotta cheese. Mix well until the pasta is fully coated.

            Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the top. Add the remaining pasta mixture and top it off with the rest of the mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese.

              Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

                Garnish and Serve: Let the pasta bake cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 min | 45 min | 6 servings