**Ingredients**
– 3 cups cooked pasta (penne or fusilli)
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
**Directions**
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a large baking dish. Next, in a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat until it’s nicely browned. Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for another minute or so to really bring out the flavors. Make sure to drain any excess fat once you’re done.
Now, grab a large bowl and combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and the cooked meat mixture. Season it all with salt and pepper according to your taste. Once everything is mixed together, go ahead and transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese generously on top.
Cover the dish with foil and let it bake in the oven for about 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes. You want the cheese on top to be bubbly and golden.
When it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Just before you serve, sprinkle some fresh chopped basil on top for that final touch. Enjoy this comforting and cheesy pasta bake!
