Introduction

Sometimes, the best recipes are the ones that make your family smile from the very first bite.
This Ah-mazing recipe is one of those meals — comforting, flavorful, and simple enough
to whip up on a busy weeknight. The best part? Even picky eaters will be asking for seconds.
My kids declared this “one of the best dinners I’ve ever made,” and that says it all!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (or chicken/turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow, penne, or shells)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Stir in onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
4. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
5. Stir in the cooked pasta until well coated with the sauce.
6. Transfer mixture into a baking dish, sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Description

This dish is the perfect combination of a hearty pasta bake and a cheesy comfort food classic.
It has rich tomato flavors, tender pasta, gooey melted cheese, and just the right seasoning
to make every bite delicious. It’s a meal that feels homemade yet restaurant-quality —
perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you want to impress without stress.

Tips

• Use ground Italian sausage for an extra boost of flavor.
• Add veggies like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
• Cook pasta al dente since it will continue baking in the oven.
• For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes.
• Can be made ahead — assemble, cover, and refrigerate, then bake when ready.

Correction

If you find the dish too saucy, reduce the tomato sauce by ½ cup.
If it feels dry, add a splash of chicken broth before baking.
Adjust cheese quantities to your family’s taste.