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
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.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or sausage for the beef for variation.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or spinach to the sauce for extra vegetables.
- This dish freezes well before or after baking, perfect for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian
