Bucatini Al Forno Recipe

Cooking Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Ingredients

   Gather all the ingredients needed for the dish.

2. 2

   Cook the Bucatini

   In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the bucatini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

3. 3

   Make the Meat Sauce

   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

4. 4

   Brown the Ground Beef

   Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

5. 5

   Add Tomatoes and Seasoning

   Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

6. 6

   Combine Pasta and Sauce

   Add the cooked bucatini to the meat sauce and mix well to combine, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.

7. 7

   Layer in Baking Dish

   Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). In a greased baking dish, layer half of the bucatini mixture, then sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat with the remaining bucatini and top with the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.

8. 8

   Bake the Dish

   Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

9. 9

   Garnish and Serve

   Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving.