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

Cook the Ground Beef:

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
Prepare the Sauce:

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste, mixing well to combine.
Add the sugar, Worcestershire sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to incorporate all the seasonings into the sauce.
Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Assemble the Dish:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the ground beef and tomato sauce mixture. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and the beef is well distributed.
Transfer the pasta mixture to a large baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta.
Bake:

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden brown spots.
Serve:

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Serve hot, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this cheesy, beefy pasta dish.

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.