Baked Linguine With Meat Sauce: An Indulgent Pasta Delight
Total Time: 55 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Introduction
Dive into the cozy embrace of our Baked Linguine With Meat Sauce. This dish combines the heartiness of meat sauce with the creaminess of sour cream and cream cheese, all layered over tender linguine and topped with sharp cheddar cheese for a melty, irresistible finish. It’s a perfect meal for a family dinner, a casual gathering, or when you simply want a comforting homemade dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Let’s explore the step-by-step process to create this indulgent pasta bake.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lean ground beef | 2 cups | Provides a hearty and rich flavor to the sauce |
| Garlic cloves | 2 cloves | Minced; adds aromatic depth to the meat |
| Crushed tomatoes | 1 cup | Base for the meat sauce |
| Tomato sauce | 1 cup | Adds richness and depth |
| Tomato paste | 1 cup | Concentrates the tomato flavor |
| Salt | 1 1/2 teaspoons | Enhances and balances the flavors |
| Sugar | 2 teaspoons | Cuts the acidity of the tomatoes |
| Linguine | 8 cups | Cooked according to package directions; the foundation of the dish |
| Sour cream | 1 cup | Adds creaminess to the pasta layer |
| Cream cheese | 1 cup | Softened; gives a smooth texture |
| Green onion | 1/2 cup | Chopped; adds a mild onion flavor |
| Sharp cheddar cheese | 2 cups | Shredded; provides a cheesy topping |
Nutrition per Serving:
- Calories: 938.9 kcal
- Fat: 58.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 214.5 mg
- Sodium: 1783.4 mg
- Carbohydrates: 51.5 g
- Fiber: 5.4 g
- Sugars: 11.5 g
- Protein: 53.1 g
Note: This nutritional analysis is based on 6 servings of the dish. Adjustments in portion size and ingredient variations may alter nutritional values.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- Brown the Beef: Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef crumbles and is no longer pink. The garlic should be fragrant and lightly golden.
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add the salt and sugar. Allow the mixture to simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and savory meat sauce. Once done, set the meat sauce aside.
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Prepare the Pasta:
- Cook the Linguine: While the meat sauce is simmering, cook the linguine according to the package directions. Ensure it is al dente, as it will continue to cook when baked. Drain the pasta well to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
- Arrange the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cooked pasta into a lightly greased 13×9 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly to cover the base.
-
Create the Creamy Layer:
- Mix the Cream Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, softened cream cheese, and chopped green onions. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Layer Over Pasta: Spread the cream mixture over the pasta in the baking dish, ensuring an even layer that covers all the pasta. This layer adds a rich, creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the meat sauce.
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Assemble and Bake:
- Add the Meat Sauce: Pour the prepared meat sauce over the creamy layer. Spread it out evenly with a spatula to cover the entire surface.
- Initial Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dish is thoroughly heated.
- Cheese Topping: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Final Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Cool Slightly: Let the baked linguine rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut and serve.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with additional green onions or fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the delightful blend of creamy pasta and rich meat sauce.
Tips for Perfecting Your Baked Linguine With Meat Sauce
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Balance the Flavors: Adjust the salt and sugar in the meat sauce to suit your taste. The sugar helps cut the acidity of the tomatoes, but you can reduce or omit it if you prefer a less sweet sauce.
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Creamy Layer: Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. This helps it blend more smoothly with the sour cream and green onions.
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Cooking the Pasta: Under-cook the pasta slightly (al dente) since it will continue to cook in the oven. This prevents it from becoming mushy.
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Cheese Choices: For a more robust flavor, consider using a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for the topping. The mozzarella will add gooeyness, while the cheddar provides a sharp, tangy flavor.
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Customization: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat sauce for added nutrition and flavor. Sauté them along with the beef and garlic.
Conclusion
Baked Linguine With Meat Sauce is a comforting dish that brings together the best of a rich meat sauce and creamy pasta in a baked format that’s sure to please any crowd. The layers of flavor, from the aromatic garlic and seasoned beef to the creamy cheese mixture, create a symphony of taste in every bite. This recipe, with its balanced ingredients and straightforward steps, is ideal for those nights when you crave a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal fuss.
Whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or enjoying it solo, this dish is sure to become a staple in your repertoire. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of homemade baked pasta, and let every bite transport you to a place of culinary bliss. Happy cooking!
