If you are craving a comforting, hearty, and utterly delicious meal, you have to try this Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe. This dish brings together perfectly cooked pasta, rich savory beef sauce, and gooey melted cheeses to create an irresistible combination. Every bite bursts with flavor and warmth, making it an ideal recipe for family dinners or cozy nights when you want something filling but easy to prepare. The layers of tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, and cheese meld beautifully in the oven, sealing in those wonderful flavors and topping it off with a golden, bubbly crust that everyone will adore.

Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding depth to the flavor, providing the perfect melt and stretchiness of the cheese, or contributing to the comforting texture you’ll fall in love with.

12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini): These shapes hold sauce well, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the beef and soften the onions perfectly.
1 pound ground beef: The star protein with hearty and rich taste.
1 small onion, diced: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses savory aroma and flavor that complements beef.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings classic herbs that elevate the sauce.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors of the dish.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of zing.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick of heat if you like.
2 cups marinara sauce: Tomato-based goodness that ties everything together.
1/4 cup tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor for a richer sauce.
1/2 cup beef broth or water: Lightens and extends the sauce for perfect consistency.
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey, stretchy, cheesy delight everyone loves.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory sharpness on top.
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional): Fresh herbs add color and a bright finish.
Cooking spray or oil for greasing: Prevents sticking and ensures easy serving.

How to Make Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cook Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish—it’s best to have everything ready for the final assembly. Cook your pasta in salted boiling water until it’s al dente, meaning it still has a nice chew but is fully cooked. Drain and set it aside for now; this pasta will soak up all the wonderful sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until browned, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks so you get those little meaty crumbles throughout. Toss in the diced onions and cook until they become soft and translucent—about 5 minutes. The onions add a subtle sweetness that balances the savory meat perfectly.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Once your beef and onions are ready, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and if you’re feeling adventurous, the red pepper flakes. These spices and herbs give the sauce its classic Italian-inspired flair. Next, add the marinara sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth or water. Give everything a good stir and let it simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens just a bit, concentrating the flavors.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce with Cheese

Now, merge your cooked pasta with the savory sauce in the skillet or transfer everything to a large bowl if that’s easier. Add in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheeses start to melt and blend throughout, making the mixture irresistibly creamy and cheesy.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Transfer this cheesy, beefy pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the top is beautifully golden and bubbly, creating that perfect crust everyone looks forward to. Let it rest for 5 minutes after baking; this helps it set so you can serve nice, neat portions.

How to Serve Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a lovely pop of green and a fresh flavor contrast to the rich cheese and beef. You can also add a few extra shreds of Parmesan cheese right before serving for an elegant touch.

Side Dishes

This bake pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, which helps cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is also fantastic for mopping up any saucy leftovers on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, try serving individual portions in small ramekins or cast iron skillets—perfect for dinner parties or family-style meals. You might even layer in some additional veggies like sautéed spinach or bell peppers to sneak in more color and nutrients.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep the cheese melty and the beef flavorful.

Freezing

This Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe freezes beautifully. You can freeze it either before baking or after it’s fully baked and cooled. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but cover loosely to keep moisture in and ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a lighter alternative and will work just fine in this recipe. Adjust seasoning slightly to suit the milder flavor of these proteins.

Is it okay to add vegetables to the bake?

Definitely! Adding veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms not only boosts nutrition but adds great texture and flavor. Sauté them beforehand for best results.

What kind of pasta works best for this bake?

Penne or rotini are perfect choices because their shapes hold onto the sauce well. However, any pasta that holds sauce like rigatoni or shells will work beautifully.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta in place of regular pasta, and ensure your marinara and broth are gluten-free as well. The bake will be just as delicious.

How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add just a gentle kick, not overwhelming heat. You can adjust the amount to your spice preference or leave them out completely for a milder version.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With its comforting layers of seasoned beef, tender pasta, and gooey cheese, it’s destined to become a family favorite in your kitchen. Don’t hesitate to get creative with add-ins and garnishes, but no matter how you make it, this bake promises satisfying, joyful bites every time. Give it a try and watch it disappear fast at your dinner table!

Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe

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4 from 48 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

A comforting and flavorful Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake that combines tender pasta, seasoned ground beef simmered in marinara sauce, and a generous blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a hearty family dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Sauce

12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cups marinara sauce
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/2 cup beef broth or water

Cheese and Garnish

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional)

Other

Cooking spray or oil for greasing

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes depending on pasta type. Drain and set aside.
Brown Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through.
Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour in marinara sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth or water. Stir to combine well and let the mixture simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet or a large bowl. Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan cheese to integrate the cheese evenly.
Assemble and Bake: Transfer the pasta and beef mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses to create a golden crust during baking.
Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake rest for about 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving if desired.