Fettuccine Bolognaise Bake

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt and pasta; boil, uncovered, according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss lightly with olive oil.

Pour a tablespoon of olive oil into a large skillet, set over medium-high to heat. When the oil is

hot, add the ground beef. Break up any large pieces with the back of a wooden spoon. Brown well, season to taste with salt and pepper.

Add onions and stir well to combine. Sauté the beef and onions until the onions are translucent and beginning to brown, about 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic, basil, Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes and stir to combine. Cook 1 minute, then add the tomato sauce, stirring to incorporate. Bring mixture to a simmer.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F / 180º C. Spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch / 23 x 33 cm casserole dish. Add a few dollops of ricotta cheese to dot the bottom on the casserole dish. Ladle half of the meat sauce over the drained pasta, mix it well and arrange the pasta into the casserole dish.