Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter—making this dish. Just like I learned from my abuela, follow your senses, and let’s cook this comforting bake together.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This takes about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
5. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
6. Combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture, stirring to coat the pasta thoroughly.
7. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil if desired before serving.