A delicious and easy-to-make pasta bake with layers of cheesy goodness and hearty meat sauce.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Preheating ensures even cooking and the perfect texture.
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until slightly undercooked. Drain and set aside.
Undercooking the pasta prevents it from becoming mushy during baking.
In a skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Breaking the meat into small pieces ensures even cooking and better layering.
Grease a 9x13 baking dish with olive oil.
Greasing the dish prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Layer half of the pasta, meat mixture, ricotta, parmesan, spaghetti sauce, and mozzarella in the prepared dish.
Spread each layer evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, except for the mozzarella.
Press down gently to compact the layers and prevent air pockets.
Draw a wooden spoon through the layers in an S-shaped pattern to mesh the layers slightly.
This step helps the flavors meld together without fully mixing.
Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Ensure the cheese covers the entire surface for a golden, bubbly top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-45 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and the dish is bubbling.
Check the dish halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Resting allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve.
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