Let’s expand on the details for the Super Easy and Tasty Baked Pasta Recipe to ensure every step is clear and gives you options for customization.

1 lb ground beef: You can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage depending on your preference.

1 small onion, diced: Optional but adds a nice flavor base. You can use white, yellow, or red onion.
2 cloves minced garlic: Fresh garlic gives the dish great flavor, but you can use 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic.

Salt and pepper (to taste): Season the beef while cooking, tasting as you go to make sure it’s well-flavored.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary adds that classic Italian flavor. You can adjust to your taste or use a different herb mix.
1 jar Ragu Traditional pasta sauce: This is a tomato-based sauce, but feel free to swap it with your favorite brand or flavor. Marinara, tomato basil, or even a spicier arrabbiata sauce work well.

1 jar Ragu Classic Alfredo sauce: Alfredo adds a rich and creamy layer to balance the tanginess of the tomato sauce. Any Alfredo sauce will work.
1 lb penne pasta: You can use any short pasta such as rigatoni, ziti, or rotini if you prefer.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Fresh mozzarella gives a creamier finish, but pre-shredded works fine. You can mix in some cheddar or Parmesan for extra flavor.

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it heats up while you prepare the dish. This temperature ensures that the pasta and sauces meld together perfectly while baking.

In a large skillet, heat about 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat if you want to add extra flavor and prevent sticking.
Add the 1 lb ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks.

Seasoning: Add salt and pepper as it starts to brown. Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Let the onion and garlic cook with the beef for about 3-5 minutes until the onions become translucent.
Add 1 tsp Italian seasoning or your preferred herbs at this stage.
Cook the beef until it’s no longer pink (about 7-8 minutes total). Drain any excess fat.

Once drained, pour in the 1 jar of pasta sauce. Stir to combine and let it simmer on low heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Once boiling, add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water (this seasons the pasta).
Add 1 lb penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions (typically 9-11 minutes for al dente).

Important: Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and return it to the pot. You don’t need to rinse the pasta, as you want the sauce to stick to the noodles.

While the noodles are still hot in the pot, pour the jar of Alfredo sauce over the penne. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure all the noodles are coated with the sauce.

This step ensures that the pasta doesn’t dry out during baking and adds a creamy texture to the dish.

Transfer the Alfredo-coated penne to a large baking dish (a 9×13-inch casserole dish works well).
Layering: Spread the beef and tomato sauce mixture evenly over the top of the Alfredo noodles. You can also mix the beef sauce into the pasta if you prefer everything combined, but layering gives a nice presentation.

Sprinkle the 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the dish.
If you want more cheesy goodness, add an extra 1/2 cup of cheese, or try mixing in some grated Parmesan or cheddar for a sharper flavor.
For a crispy, golden cheese layer, you can add some breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil and Parmesan to the top before baking.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and the dish is heated through.
Optional: During the last 5 minutes, remove the foil to let the cheese turn a light golden brown and crisp up.

Once baked, let the dish sit for about 5 minutes to cool slightly before serving. This helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to serve.
Serve with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal.

Vegetarian option: Skip the ground beef and add veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.

Spicier version: Add red pepper flakes or use a spicy marinara sauce.
Make ahead: You can assemble this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just bake it when ready to eat, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold.
Freezer-friendly: You can freeze this before baking. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed.

This detailed version ensures you have all the tips and steps to make this dish even easier and more delicious! Enjoy your baked pasta creation.