Description
Cheesy Beef and Vegetable Pasta Bake
Ingredients:
12 oz penne pasta
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup tomato sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, mixed vegetables, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes. Combine cooked pasta with the beef mixture and transfer to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for a perfect bake every time. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Begin boiling water for the pasta, salting it generously. While the pasta cooks (aim for al dente, as it will soften further in the oven), start browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the beef is fully browned, drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Next, incorporate the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, frozen mixed vegetables, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Drain your cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet, folding everything together until the pasta is fully coated. Transfer the entire mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top uniformly with the shredded cheddar cheese. Bake on the middle rack for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the edges are bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty pasta bake is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a fresh contrast, serve with garlic bread or crusty rolls. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes at the table adds a nice kick for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
How-to Summary
In brief: Cook pasta. Brown beef with onion and garlic. Add tomatoes, sauce, veggies, and seasonings to simmer. Combine with pasta in a baking dish. Top with cheese and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Garnish and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely. Penne works well because its shape holds the sauce, but rigatoni, ziti, or fusilli are excellent substitutes.
How can I make this dish ahead of time? Assemble the bake completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
Can I freeze the pasta bake? Yes. After assembling and cooling, wrap the dish well. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
What can I use instead of ground beef? Ground turkey, chicken, Italian sausage, or a plant-based meat alternative work wonderfully. Adjust cooking times as needed.
My bake turned out dry. How can I prevent this? Ensure you are including all the liquid from the canned tomatoes and not overcooking the pasta initially. You can also add an extra 1/4 cup of tomato sauce or a splash of beef broth before baking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta: Cook it only to al dente, as it will continue to absorb sauce and soften in the oven.
- Not draining excess fat from the beef: This can make the final dish greasy.
- Using pre-shredded cheese exclusively: While convenient, it contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. For best results, shred your own cheese or mix pre-shredded with a handful of freshly shredded.
- Skipping the simmer: Letting the sauce simmer for a few minutes is crucial for flavor development and reducing excess liquid.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Beef and Vegetable Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, perfectly balancing hearty protein, nutritious vegetables, and gooey cheese in one simple dish. It’s forgiving for weeknights, impressive for feeding a crowd, and easily adaptable to your family’s tastes. By following the detailed guide and tips provided, you can avoid common pitfalls and create a consistently delicious, satisfying meal that everyone will love.