Description
Trying to gain healthy weight or build muscle? These high-carb, high-protein meals helped me gain 10 lbs naturally—and they actually taste amazing! Perfect for lean bulking, post-workout recovery, or anyone needing more fuel in their day. These easy, balanced recipes are great for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—no complicated ingredients, just real food that gets results
Recipes:
Cheesy Baked Penne Pasta
“A comforting, cheesy, and meaty baked pasta dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner!”
Ingredients
For the Pasta & Meat Sauce:
12 oz penne pasta
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Cheese Layer:
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried basil
For Topping:
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package directions).
Drain and set aside.
Make the Meat Sauce:
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
Add ground beef or sausage, cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and basil.
Assemble the Dish:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce.
Add half of the cooked penne and top with half of the cheese mixture. Repeat layers.
Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake & Serve:
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve warm!
Pro Tip: Add pepperoni slices or crumbled sausage on top for extra flavor!
