Spicy Meat Pasta Bake

When you’re craving a comforting and flavorful meal that the whole family will love, this Spicy Meat Pasta Bake is just the dish to satisfy those taste buds. Combining the heartiness of ground beef with the kick of spicy seasonings, this recipe transforms a simple pasta dish into a delicious and cozy dinner option. Perfect for a weeknight meal or for serving a crowd, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

**Spicy Meat Pasta Bake**

**Ingredients:**
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 ounces pasta of choice, cooked al dente
– 1 can (24 ounces) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish

**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it starts to brown, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
4. Season the beef mixture with red pepper flakes, paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and let the flavors meld for another few minutes.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the seasoned beef mixture. Stir to combine everything evenly.
6. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and mix well to ensure the pasta and beef are coated with the sauce.
7. Transfer the pasta and beef mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
8. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta.
9. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella.
10. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
11. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
12. Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
13. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added freshness.
14. Serve hot and enjoy the spicy meat pasta bake with your favorite sides or a simple green salad.

This Spicy Meat Pasta Bake is a versatile dish that you can customize to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less red pepper flakes, or swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Whether you’re serving it up for a cozy family dinner or hosting a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.