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
Scale
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.
