Dinner Recipes For Large Family

Ever stared into the abyss of your fridge, knowing a small army is about to descend for dinner, and thought, “There has to be an easier way to feed these adorable monsters?” Yeah, me too. Fret not, my friend, because today we’re tackling the Everest of family dinners with a recipe so simple, so delicious, it practically cooks itself. Almost. Get ready for a Cheesy Baked Pasta Extravaganza that’ll have everyone asking for seconds (and maybe even help with the dishes – a girl can dream, right?).

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Seriously, this isn’t some gourmet dish requiring a culinary degree and obscure spices you can only find in Narnia. This is pure comfort food, designed for maximum flavor and **minimum fuss**. It’s budget-friendly, scales up like a champ (hello, leftovers!), and honestly, it’s pretty much **idiot-proof**. Even after a long day, when your brain feels like a deflated balloon, you won’t mess this up. Plus, cheese. Lots of cheese. Need I say more?

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather your troops, err, ingredients! You’ll need:

• **Pasta**: About 1.5 lbs of your favorite short pasta – ziti, penne, rotini. Whatever calls to you. We’re feeding a crowd, so don’t be shy!
• **Ground Meat**: 1.5-2 lbs of ground beef, Italian sausage, or even turkey. Your call, chief. The more, the merrier (and tastier).
• **Onion**: 1 large, chopped. Yes, you might cry a little, but it’s worth every tear.
• **Garlic**: 4-5 cloves, minced. Because garlic is love, garlic is life.
• **Canned Crushed Tomatoes**: Two 28-oz cans. For that rich, saucy goodness.
• **Tomato Paste**: One 6-oz can. It’s like a flavor booster shot for your sauce. Don’t skip it!
• **Spices**: 1-2 tsp each of dried oregano and basil. A pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little zing.
• **Ricotta Cheese**: One 15-oz container. The creamy dream maker.
• **Mozzarella Cheese**: 3-4 cups shredded. We’re talking serious cheese pulls here.
• **Parmesan Cheese**: 1/2 cup grated. For that salty, nutty hug your taste buds crave.
• **Egg**: 1 large. Helps bind the ricotta layer, so it doesn’t run off with your hopes and dreams.
• **Fresh Parsley**: 1/4 cup chopped (optional, but makes you look fancy AF).
• **Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper**: The holy trinity of cooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Get Your Oven Hot & Pasta Prepped**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook your pasta according to package directions, but aim for **al dente** (slightly firm). Remember, it’ll finish cooking in the oven, so don’t overdo it! Drain and set aside.
2. **Brown the Meat & Build the Sauce**: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add your ground meat and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the meat, until it’s nicely browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease – nobody likes a greasy pasta bake, right?
3. **Flavor Town**: Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, letting it toast a bit. Now, pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), a good pinch of salt, and a generous crack of black pepper. Bring it to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it bubble gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing those flavors to meld.
4. **Ricotta Dream Team**: While the sauce is doing its thing, grab a medium bowl. Combine the ricotta cheese, egg, about 1 cup of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley (if using), and a dash more salt and pepper. Mix it all up until it’s perfectly combined and looks irresistibly creamy.
5. **Layer Like a Boss**: Time to assemble! Grab a large baking dish (think 9×13 or bigger if you scaled up). Spread about a cup of your meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. Next, add about half of your cooked pasta, followed by dollops of your ricotta mixture. Top that with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers: more sauce, the rest of the pasta, the remaining ricotta, and finally, smother it with the rest of the mozzarella and a final sprinkle of Parmesan.
6. **Bake It ‘Til Golden**: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. This helps ensure everything gets heated through. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, golden brown, and looks utterly delicious. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to settle and prevents a messy collapse.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• **Undercooking Your Pasta**: While we said al dente, don’t go full uncooked! It won’t soften enough in the oven.
• **Not Draining the Meat Fat**: Greasy means less delicious. Don’t be that person.
• **Forgetting to Season**: Salt and pepper aren’t optional, people! Taste your sauce and adjust.
• **Thinking You Don’t Need to Preheat the Oven**: Rookie mistake. Just do it, your food will thank you.
• **Cutting into It Immediately**: Patience, young padawan. Let it rest for a few minutes to set up.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feeling creative or just working with what you’ve got? No problem!

• **Veggies Galore**: Want to sneak in some greens? Sauté some chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach with the onion. Or stir in some frozen peas right before layering.
• **Cheese Swaps**: No mozzarella? Provolone or even Monterey Jack would work in a pinch for that melty goodness. Though, IMO, mozzarella is king here.
• **Make it Meatless**: Swap the ground meat for cooked lentils, a plant-based ground substitute, or even sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
• **Gluten-Free**: Totally doable! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Got questions? I’ve got answers (and sarcasm, mostly).

1. **Can I make this ahead of time?** Absolutely! Assemble the whole thing, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time. You’re basically future-proofing dinner!
2. **What about leftovers?** Oh, honey, leftovers are a gift! This pasta bake reheats beautifully in the oven or microwave. Some argue it’s even better the next day.
3. **Can I freeze this?** You betcha! Bake it, let it cool completely, then cut into portions or freeze the whole dish (before or after baking). Wrap it well in foil and plastic wrap. It’ll last up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
4. **No ricotta? What now?** Cottage cheese is a decent substitute if you’re in a bind. Just make sure it’s full-fat for that creamy texture. It won’t be *exactly* the same, but it’ll do the job.
5. **How do I make it spicier?** More red pepper flakes, my friend! You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. Or a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the table.
6. **My family hates parsley. Can I skip it?** Yes, it’s totally optional. It adds a nice fresh note and color, but if your family stages a revolt at the sight of green flecks, leave it out. No judgment here.

Final Thoughts

See? Told ya it was easy! Now, go forth and conquer dinner. Your family (and your tummy) will thank you. And hey, don’t forget to pat yourself on the back for being such a kitchen wizard. You’ve just fed a small army with minimal stress and maximum deliciousness. You earned it!