If you’re craving a bowl of ultimate comfort, you’ve got to try this Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta Recipe. It’s a perfect harmony of tender pasta, savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and layers of melty, golden cheese that bake together to create a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Easy enough for a weeknight meal, yet impressive enough to share with friends or family, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a satisfying feast everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta Recipe plays a key role in building flavors and textures that elevate the dish from everyday to unforgettable. From the al dente pasta providing heartiness to the mozzarella’s gooey melt, each element is essential.
- 12 oz pasta (rigatoni, shells, or elbow): Choose your favorite shape for holding all that delicious sauce.
- 1 lb ground beef: Adds rich, savory depth that makes this dish truly satisfying.
- 1 small onion (diced): Provides gentle sweetness and a subtle crunch.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses aromatic boldness that wakes up every bite.
- 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce: The heart of the dish, delivering tangy, saucy goodness.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Intensifies tomato flavors for a robust, rich sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix that brings classic Mediterranean notes.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Simple seasonings that unlock the flavors of every ingredient.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: The star cheese, melting into irresistible gooeyness.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds sharpness and an extra savory punch.
- Olive oil (for sautéing): Keeps things rich and ensures the onions and garlic cook to perfection.
How to Make Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook until just al dente, which means it’s tender but still with a little bite. This ensures the pasta won’t get mushy after baking. Drain it well and set it aside while you prepare the other components — it’s crucial to have your pasta perfectly cooked from the start.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Then add the minced garlic, letting its aroma fill the kitchen as it cooks for another minute. Next, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spoon and cooking until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink, usually 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess grease, drain it off—this keeps the dish from getting too heavy.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Stir the tomato paste directly into the beef mixture to deepen the tomato flavor. Pour in the marinara sauce and sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly. Season with salt and pepper to your taste, then reduce the heat and let everything simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This slow mix lets all the flavors mingle beautifully, creating a savory sauce that hugs every strand of pasta later.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Meat Sauce
Now comes the fun part: adding the cooked pasta to the skillet with your robust meat sauce. Stir everything together thoroughly so each piece of pasta is coated with the flavorful mixture. This step ensures that every bite is bursting with meaty, saucy goodness—your taste buds will thank you!
Step 5: Bake with Cheese
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer your pasta and beef mixture into a generously sized baking dish. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top, and if you’re feeling fancy, add a sprinkle of Parmesan for that extra layer of cheesy richness. Pop it into the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly, golden, and irresistible. This baking step is what transforms a tasty skillet meal into a comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole.
Step 6: Serve
After baking, give your creation a few minutes to cool—this helps the cheese set slightly for perfect slices. Then, serve up generous portions, letting the gooey, cheesy beef pasta delight everyone at the table. You’re all set for a meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and undeniably satisfying.
How to Serve Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of freshness, sprinkle some chopped fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving. A light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick if you like a little heat. These simple garnishes brighten the dish and add a lovely color contrast that makes your Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta Recipe look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans to balance the richness of the cheese and beef. Garlic bread or warm, crusty rolls are also perfect companions because they scoop up any sauce left on your plate—nothing goes to waste!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the baked beef pasta in individual ramekins for a fun, personalized touch. Alternatively, layering it with extra cheese in a clear casserole dish lets everyone admire those golden, melted layers before diving in. You can also add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper at the end to elevate the presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta Recipe tastes just as delicious the next day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This gives you quick, satisfying meals to enjoy without extra cooking.
Freezing
If you want to save some for even longer, this dish freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the cheese is bubbling again, usually about 15 minutes. For a speedier option, microwave single servings covered with a damp paper towel to lock in moisture. Either way, you’ll get that cozy, cheesy goodness all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage can be fantastic substitutes in the Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta Recipe, adjusting the seasoning slightly to complement the meat’s flavor.
What’s the best pasta shape for this dish?
Pasta shapes like rigatoni, shells, or elbow macaroni work best because their curves and tubes hold onto the sauce and cheese beautifully, making every bite flavorful.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives, and you’ll keep all the heartiness and cheesy comfort with a vegetarian twist.
Is it possible to prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can assemble the dish up to the baking step in advance, cover it, and refrigerate for a day before baking. This makes dinner prep even easier on busy days.
How can I make this recipe less cheesy?
If you prefer less cheese, simply reduce the mozzarella amount and skip the Parmesan. The dish will still be flavorful and delicious without being overly rich.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta Recipe is a timeless classic that brings comfort, flavor, and joy to your table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking to impress guests, it’s a recipe that never disappoints. Give it a try and enjoy the warm, cheesy satisfaction that comes from every forkful!
Print
Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Cheesy Baked Beef Pasta is a comforting and hearty Italian-American casserole featuring perfectly cooked pasta mixed with a savory ground beef and marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make dish combines the flavors of sautéed onions, garlic, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning, baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it serves six and comes together in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (such as rigatoni, shells, or elbow)
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for sautéing
Cheese Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning into the cooked beef mixture. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Allow the sauce to simmer gently on low heat for about 5 minutes to blend all the flavors well.
- Combine Pasta and Meat Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the meat sauce and stir thoroughly to ensure all the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Bake with Cheese: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta mixture into a baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, and optionally, add grated Parmesan cheese for added richness. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your comforting cheesy baked beef pasta!
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If you prefer spicier flavors, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat.
- Use freshly grated cheese for best melting and flavor.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
