Step 3: Brown the Meat
Add the ground beef or sausage to the skillet. Break it up as it cooks and brown it completely. Drain excess fat if necessary. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Step 4: Add the Sauce and Cream
Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 5–10 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream to give it that irresistible creamy finish.
Step 5: Combine with Pasta
In a large mixing bowl or directly in the baking dish, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Mix until every piece of pasta is coated in the creamy, savory sauce.
Step 6: Layer the Cheese
Pour half of the pasta mixture into a large baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella. Add the remaining pasta on top, then sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and all of the parmesan cheese.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the dish uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.
Step 8: Let It Rest (If You Can Wait!)
Let the dish sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve without losing all the saucy goodness.
❤️ Why This Dish Is a Family Favorite
- No-fuss, one-pan magic: Easy cleanup with maximum flavor.
- Customizable: Swap beef for turkey, add mushrooms or spinach—make it yours!
- Perfect for leftovers (if there are any): Great the next day… if it survives that long.
✨ Final Thoughts
This dish is more than just food—it’s a memory-maker. You’ll hear happy sighs, see clean plates, and feel a warm satisfaction knowing everyone at the table got a bit of love in every bite. And if someone says, “Life doesn’t get better than this,” they mean it.
So go ahead—make it tonight. But don’t count on leftovers. Yum!
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