B's Famous Pasta Bake

This is Critic B's Famous Pasta Bake recipe. B is only 7 but loves to cook (Just like his Mama). One night we were making pasta w/ sauce for dinner. B took over the kitchen and started throwing things in the pot. He asked if we could bake it like a lasagna and then the Pasta Bake was born. Critic B loves this recipe of course because he made it. He always asks for seconds on this one and sometimes even thirds!! Critic A is also a big fan of this one. Bread sticks might just be the only bread I can get him to eat. Critic D loves it too. The sides are optional of course but I think this meal always goes good with Salad and Bread sticks. The parsley on top was for the picture, it had my kids asking me why I put leaves on the pasta!

All over rating: *****

 

A rare glimpse of Critic A eating bread.

 

Now check out the recipe and try it for yourself.

Click the button below for the recipe.

 

Ingredients:
1 pkg. of Rotini Pasta (I used Barilla Veggie Pasta)
1 pound of Hamburger
1 jar of Chunky Spaghetti Sauce (I used Prego: Chunky Garden)
1 15 oz. pkg. of Ricotta Cheese
1 pkg. of shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1 tbsp. of Olive Oil
1 tbsp. of Garlic & Herb Seasoning
1 tbsp. of Italian Seasoning

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°. Start by frying the hamburger in a large sauce pan. Also, put some water in a pot with a little dash of olive oil (to keep it from sticking). Add in the pasta and boil until semi-tender.

 

Step 2:

After you brown the hamburger add in the seasonings and stir. Next add in the Spaghetti Sauce and turn the heat to low. *Tip* Add a little water to the jar, replace the lid and shake, then pour into the pan to get all the extra sauce. Let it simmer while you drain the pasta noodles.

 

Step 3:

Add the noodles to a large baking dish. Stir in the Ricotta cheese until all the noodles are covered. Stir in the sauce. Mix together well. Sprinkle the Mozzarella cheese on top.

 

Step 4:

Bake at 350° until cheese is melted and starting to brown. (About 15-20 minutes)

Now grab your fork and eat!

**Serving suggestion: Serve with a Salad w/ Ranch dressing and some Bread sticks.**

 

{Serves 5 - 6}