Description
This Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for family dinners. Combining tender pasta with a savory ground beef tomato sauce, topped with a gooey blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then baked to bubbly perfection. It’s easy to prepare and delivers rich flavors with a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (rigatoni, shells, or any short pasta)
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cheese Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or any melting cheese)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large casserole or baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté aromatics and brown beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned and crumbly. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Prepare the sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper into the browned beef mixture. Allow it to simmer for 10 minutes so the flavors meld together and the sauce slightly thickens.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Transfer the cooked pasta into a large mixing bowl. Pour the beef and tomato sauce mixture over the pasta and stir until fully coated and evenly combined.
- Assemble the bake: Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and a portion of Parmesan cheese over the top. Add the remaining pasta mixture, then finish by topping with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for a deliciously cheesy crust.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top.
- Finish and serve: Allow the pasta bake to cool for a few minutes to set up and avoid burns. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a fresh, herbal note before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or shells works well for this bake.
- The dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; bake directly from chilled, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a little heat.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and flavor, not pre-grated powder.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
