Sunday Supper: Hearty Baked Pasta with Meat Sauce
Layers of tender pasta bake into a satisfying, deeply flavored, family-style Italian meal.
By Janelle
Updated: January 18, 2026
Why I Love This Recipe
Baked pasta is more than just a meal; it's an experience. It's the aroma of garlic and oregano wafting through the house, the anticipation building as the cheese bubbles and browns in the oven, and the joyful gathering around the table to share a comforting dish. This version, featuring a robust meat sauce, elevates the humble pasta bake into something truly special. It's a dish that's both familiar and exciting, perfect for a cozy Sunday supper or a potluck with friends. It's the ultimate comfort food, guaranteed to bring smiles and full bellies.
- •Rich, layered flavors - The combination of ground beef, Italian sausage, and a slow-simmered tomato sauce creates a deeply satisfying and complex flavor profile.
- •Perfect for a crowd - This recipe easily feeds a family or a small gathering, making it ideal for potlucks or weeknight dinners with leftovers.
- •Textural delight - From the al dente pasta to the crispy, golden cheese topping, every bite offers a delightful contrast of textures.
- •Freezes beautifully - Make ahead and freeze for a quick and easy meal on busy weeknights.
- •Italian-American Classic - A comforting, familiar dish that evokes memories of home-cooked meals and family traditions.
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's what you'll need – nothing too fancy, just good ingredients that work together beautifully.
- 1 lb Penne pasta (Rigatoni or ziti can be substituted)
- 1 lb Ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 0.5 lb Italian sausage (Sweet or hot, casing removed)
- 1 medium Onion (Diced)
- 4 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 28 oz Canned crushed tomatoes
- 6 oz Tomato paste
- 2 tsp Dried oregano
- 2 tsp Dried basil
- 0.5 tsp Red pepper flakes (Optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp Salt (Or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper (Or to taste)
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese (Shredded)
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (Grated)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the pasta bake cooks evenly and the cheese melts beautifully.
~5 min
- 2
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Remember to salt the pasta water generously; this is your chance to season the pasta itself! Al dente pasta will hold its shape better in the bake.
~10 min
Tip: Don't overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven. - 3
While the pasta is cooking, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break the meat apart with a spoon as it cooks. Ensure the meat is fully cooked through to avoid any food safety issues.
~8 min
Tip: Drain off any excess grease after browning the meat. - 4
Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Cooking the onion until translucent will release its sweetness and add depth to the sauce.
~5 min
- 5
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will turn bitter.
~1 min
- 6
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These browned bits add tremendous flavor to the sauce.
~2 min
- 7
Add the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for at least 15 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and deepen.
~15 min
Tip: For a more complex flavor, simmer the sauce for up to an hour. - 8
Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet with the meat sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Make sure every piece of pasta is covered in the delicious sauce.
~2 min
- 9
Pour half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese. This creates a cheesy layer within the bake.
~3 min
- 10
Top with the remaining pasta mixture and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. The top layer of cheese will melt and brown beautifully in the oven.
~2 min
- 11
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly browned. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
~22 min
Tip: If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish with foil. - 12
Let the pasta bake rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the bake to set up slightly, making it easier to slice and serve. Enjoy!
~10 min
How Do I Know It's Ready?
The pasta bake is done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can assemble the pasta bake and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add about 10 minutes to the baking time.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this Sunday Supper: Hearty Baked Pasta with Meat Sauce as much as I do! It's a wonderful dish that's sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear how it turned out – feel free to share your experience and any variations you tried!