Description

There’s nothing quite like serving a dish that brings the entire family to the table, each bite met with smiles and satisfied nods. This particular recipe has earned its place as a family favorite, with everyone from picky eaters to culinary enthusiasts raving about its deliciousness. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its flavor but also in its simplicity. Whether you're preparing a weekday dinner or a special weekend meal, this recipe is guaranteed to please. It's so good, in fact, that you might find yourself doubling the batch the next time around!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 12 ounces cooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation Method

1. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, cook chopped onion and minced garlic until onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste to the skillet and mix well.
4. Stir in sugar, Worcestershire sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, ground beef, and sauce mixture until evenly coated.
7. Transfer pasta mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
8. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
9. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Remove from oven, let cool for a few minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.

Tips and Conclusion

Bonus Tip: Customize with Veggies
To add some extra nutrition and flavor to this dish, consider incorporating vegetables into the sauce. Sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini would make excellent additions, adding both texture and a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors. You can also sneak in some finely chopped spinach or kale for a healthy twist that even the pickiest eaters won’t notice.

Conclusion: A Dish to Share and Savor
This recipe is the epitome of comfort food, bringing together tender pasta, hearty beef, and rich tomato sauce, all crowned with a generous layer of melted cheese. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the depth of flavor makes this a go-to recipe that you'll want to return to time and time again. And with the option to double the batch, you can ensure there’s plenty to go around—though don’t be surprised if every last bite gets devoured. So next time you're looking for a dish that’s sure to please, look no further—this recipe is a guaranteed hit that will have everyone asking for seconds.