A delightful baked pasta dish with a cheesy topping and flavorful beef and herb filling.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Ensure the oven is fully preheated for even cooking.
In a skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is soft.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Drain any excess fat from the skillet and set the beef mixture aside.
Use a spoon or tilt the skillet to remove the fat carefully.
Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by 1 minute.
Undercooking slightly ensures the pasta won't become mushy when baked.
Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add the beef mixture, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, parsley, pepper, salt, and garlic powder. Mix well.
Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.
Transfer the mixture to a buttered baking dish and spread it evenly.
Use a spatula to smooth the top for even baking.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Ensure the cheese covers the surface for a golden crust.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Check the dish occasionally to avoid over-browning the cheese.
Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your cheesy baked pasta!
Allowing it to cool helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier.