Ground Beef Pasta Bake

Introduction

Ground Beef Pasta Bake is a classic, comforting, and hearty meal that combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prepping for the week. This dish is versatile, customizable, and always hits the spot with its warm, cheesy, and satisfying flavors.

The best part about this recipe is that it transforms simple pantry ingredients into a meal that tastes like it belongs in a restaurant. With layers of seasoned beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a golden, bubbly cheese topping, it’s the ultimate comfort food.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s easy, hearty, and delicious. The combination of pasta and ground beef makes it filling and satisfying, while the baked cheese topping adds a creamy, melty texture that everyone loves. It’s also very forgiving—whether you add vegetables, use different pasta shapes, or adjust the seasoning, it still comes out perfect.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Comforting: Warm, cheesy, and satisfying.
• Easy to Make: One-pan preparation for minimal cleanup.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
• Customizable: Add vegetables, different cheeses, or pasta shapes.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Reheats beautifully and can be frozen.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15–20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 40–50 minutes

Servings and Nutritional Info

• Servings: 6
• Calories per Serving: ~450 kcal
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American / Italian-inspired

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup chopped bell peppers
• 1 cup mushrooms
• 1/2 cup spinach or kale

Cooking Directions

1. Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Add onion and garlic (and optional vegetables) to the skillet. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
4. Add Sauce and Seasoning: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix cooked pasta into the skillet with the beef and sauce until evenly coated.
6. Assemble Bake: Transfer pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil before serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown ground beef in a skillet with olive oil. Drain excess fat.
3. Add onions, garlic, and optional vegetables; sauté until softened.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
5. Mix pasta into the beef and sauce mixture.
6. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
7. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve hot.

How to Serve

• Serve hot straight from the oven.
• Pair with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
• Can be served as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
• Ideal for meal prepping—store leftovers for an easy lunch or dinner.

Recipe Tips

• Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting and flavor.
• Cook pasta slightly under al dente to avoid overcooking in the oven.
• Add vegetables for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Season well—Italian seasoning and garlic elevate the dish.

Variations

• Cheesy Beef and Spinach Pasta Bake: Add spinach or kale for a veggie boost.
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
• Creamy Pasta Bake: Stir in 1/2 cup cream or ricotta cheese for extra creaminess.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
• Different Proteins: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or sausage.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the cooked pasta bake in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for pasta
• Skillet for cooking beef and sauce
• Baking dish
• Oven
• Spoon or spatula for mixing

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, prepare the pasta and sauce, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked pasta?
A: Yes, just reduce baking time slightly.

Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Substitute ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based meat alternatives.

Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A: Yes, just sauté a few extra minutes to remove excess moisture.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Pasta Bake is a hearty, comforting, and versatile meal that combines the best of pasta, meat, and cheese in one dish. Perfect for families, weeknight dinners, or meal prepping, it’s easy to make, customizable, and delicious. With its golden, bubbly cheese topping and rich, savory flavors, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.