Best Easy Pasta al Forno della Domenica Recipe

Sunday baked pasta layered with ragù, mozzarella, and eggs is the heart of Italian family dining. This high protein mediterranean casserole is a freezer-friendly family tradition.

Cook 85 min Difficulty NORMAL 390 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • rigatoni pasta 16 oz
  • ground beef 12 oz
  • sweet Italian sausage (removed from casing) 8 oz
  • fresh mozzarella cheese 8 oz
  • ricotta cheese 1.5 cups
  • eggs (hard-boiled) 3 pieces
  • Parmesan cheese (shredded) 0.75 cup
  • onion (chopped) 1 pieces
Seasonings/Sauce
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
  • tomato paste 2 tbsp
  • crushed tomatoes 3 cups
  • garlic (minced) 2 cloves
  • dried oregano 1 tsp
  • salt 1.5 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • fresh basil leaves 0.25 cup
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 42 g 43%
Protein 22 g 23%
Fat 13 g 30%
Serving size 280g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously oil a 9x13-inch casserole dish with olive oil.

  2. 2

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until just under al dente, about 2 minutes less than package directions; drain and set aside.

  3. 3

    In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tbsp olive oil. Sauté chopped onion and garlic until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add ground beef and sausage, breaking up meat, and cook until browned.

  4. 4

    Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then add crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, black pepper, and half the basil. Simmer sauce uncovered on low for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  5. 5

    Slice hard-boiled eggs and fresh mozzarella into thin rounds. In a bowl, blend ricotta with 0.25 tsp salt and a sprinkle of black pepper.

  6. 6

    To assemble: Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer half of the rigatoni, top with half the ricotta, scatter half the meat sauce, then arrange half the mozzarella and egg slices. Repeat layering, finishing with remaining sauce and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan.

  7. 7

    Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover, bake 15 minutes more until top is bubbling and cheese is golden.

  8. 8

    Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing. Scatter remaining basil on top just before serving for fresh aroma and color.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What are the defining ingredients in Pasta al Forno della Domenica?
Key ingredients include rigatoni pasta, a rich ragù of ground beef and Italian sausage, and layers of mozzarella, ricotta, and hard-boiled eggs. These components give the dish its hearty texture and classic Sunday flavor. The combination of cheeses and meats, plus the tomato-based sauce and aromatic herbs, makes this casserole distinctively comforting and traditionally Mediterranean.
Q. Which step is most important for great texture in baked pasta?
Cooking the rigatoni just shy of al dente is crucial. Slightly undercooking the pasta ensures it absorbs sauce in the oven without becoming mushy. In addition, layering the pasta with ricotta and mozzarella keeps it moist, while baking uncovered towards the end creates a golden, bubbling top.
Q. How can I prevent the casserole from coming out dry?
Be sure to use enough ragù sauce between the layers, and don't overbake the dish. The covered baking phase retains moisture, while uncovering for the last 15 minutes ensures a crisp top without drying out the interior. Letting the casserole rest after baking allows juices to redistribute evenly.
Q. Is this recipe high in protein or carbs?
Each serving contains about 22g of protein (23% of calories) and 42g of carbohydrates (43% of calories), making it a high-protein option for a pasta casserole. The dish balances protein and carbs, suitable for family meals where satiety and taste are both important.
Q. How many calories are in a serving, and what’s the fat content?
Every 280g serving has approximately 390 kcal, with fat contributing 13g (30% of total calories). The fat comes mainly from beef, sausage, cheese, and olive oil, while the calorie count is typical for a hearty baked pasta enjoyed as a main course.
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