Description
Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake
“A rich, meaty, and cheesy pasta dish that’s full of flavor and comfort—perfect for a cozy dinner!”
Ingredients
:
For the Pasta:
3 cups pasta (fusilli, rotini, or penne)
1 tsp salt
For the Beef Sauce:
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt & black pepper to taste
1 ½ cups marinara sauce
For the Cheese Topping:
1 cup shredded mozzarella
½ cup cheddar cheese
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
:
Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Beef Sauce: In a pan, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add onions and garlic, and sauté until fragrant. Stir in Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
Assemble & Bake: Toss the cooked pasta with the beef sauce. Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.
Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and dig in!
Perfect for a family dinner—serve with garlic bread and a side salad!
Let me know if you’d like any modifications!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. 2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 1 tsp salt and the pasta. Cook according to package directions for al dente, then drain. 3. While the pasta cooks, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat if needed. 4. Reduce heat to medium, add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. 5. Stir in Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in the marinara sauce, reduce heat, and let it simmer for 5 minutes. 6. In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta and the beef sauce, mixing thoroughly. 7. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. 8. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top. 9. Bake on the middle rack for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown. 10. Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty bake is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with simple sides. Serve it with a crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty dinner rolls are perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce. For a vegetable-forward side, consider roasted broccoli or asparagus.
How-to Summary
This Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake is a simple three-step process: Cook your pasta al dente, prepare a flavorful beef and marinara sauce, then combine and top with cheese before baking until golden. The key is simmering the sauce to develop flavor and letting the baked dish rest briefly for cleaner slices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the pasta and sauce in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the cheese just before baking, and you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of ground beef? Ground turkey, chicken, Italian sausage, or a plant-based ground meat alternative work well. Adjust seasoning as needed.
My sauce seems dry. How can I fix it? The pasta will absorb sauce. If it looks dry before baking, stir in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of pasta water, beef broth, or extra marinara sauce to reach your desired consistency.
Can I freeze the baked pasta? Absolutely. Cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat, covered, in a 350°F oven until heated through.
What other cheeses can I use? Monterey Jack, provolone, or a Italian cheese blend are great. For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of parmesan or pecorino romano with the other cheeses.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta: Cook only to al dente, as it will continue to soften in the oven.
- Skipping the sauce simmer: Letting the sauce simmer for the full 5 minutes helps meld the flavors and thicken it slightly.
- Using pre-shredded cheese exclusively: While convenient, pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the topping less smooth. For best melt, shred your own block cheese.
- Not letting it rest: Cutting in immediately will cause the bake to be very runny. A 5-minute rest allows it to set.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, delivering rich flavor and satisfying texture with minimal effort. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure a perfectly cheesy, delicious result every single time. Enjoy your homemade, cozy masterpiece!