If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food, look no further than this Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe. It’s a golden, bubbling, flavor-packed casserole that brings together tender pasta, a rich tomato-beef sauce, and layers of gooey, melty cheese all in one dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or for feeding a hungry crowd, this recipe transforms pantry staples into a hearty meal that everyone at the table will rave about. Trust me, every bite delivers a balance of savory beef, velvety cheese, and flavorful herbs—this Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe works to build crave-worthy layers of flavor, gooey texture, and satisfying heartiness. The best part? They’re simple, everyday staples you probably already have, but each plays a crucial role in this irresistible dish.
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini): These shapes hold onto the rich sauce and cheese perfectly, ensuring every forkful is blissful.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For browning the beef and bringing out the sweetness of the onions.
- 1 pound ground beef: The star protein, giving the bake its satisfying, savory backbone.
- 1 small onion (diced): Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): For essential aromatic warmth and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties all the savory elements together.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances every ingredient and seasons the layers to perfection.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a hint of gentle heat.
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pasta sauce: Delivers a luscious, tomato-rich base and makes everything quick and easy.
- 1/2 cup sour cream or ricotta cheese: Creamy and tangy, this ingredient adds irresistible silkiness to the sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: For that classic stretchy, melty cheese layer everyone loves.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, umami richness to the cheesy topping.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A sprinkle of green brings color and a burst of freshness to the final dish.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
To set yourself up for pasta perfection, start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This little step ensures nothing sticks and helps you lift out those cheesy layers with ease.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add your pasta. Cook it just until al dente—this way, it stands up to baking without getting mushy. Drain and set aside, resisting the urge to overcook; remember, the oven will do a bit more magic later.
Step 3: Brown the Beef and Soften the Onion
Now, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Add the ground beef and diced onion, sautéing until the beef is browned and the onion turns soft and fragrant—about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain away any excess fat so your Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe isn’t greasy.
Step 4: Season and Simmer the Sauce
Stir in your minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, letting everything bloom together for a minute. Then, pour in the marinara or pasta sauce. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes—it should smell absolutely irresistible by now!
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Creaminess
Take the skillet off the heat and stir in your drained pasta along with the sour cream or ricotta cheese. This step ties everything together, coating the noodles in a creamy, savory sauce that’s out of this world.
Step 6: Assemble and Top with Cheese
Spoon the pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly right to the edges. Sprinkle all that glorious mozzarella and Parmesan on top, covering every corner for full cheesy coverage.
Step 7: Bake and Garnish
Slide your casserole into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until it’s bubbling at the edges and the top is gorgeously golden. Give the dish a 5-minute rest after baking—that allows the flavors to settle and makes serving so much easier. For a final flourish, add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley if you like.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful finishing touch, a generous shower of chopped fresh parsley not only livens up the colors but also brings a bit of freshness to balance the rich, cheesy layers. Want even more flair? Try a little extra grated Parmesan or a dusting of crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
Side Dishes
Pair this Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette and perhaps some warm, crusty garlic bread. The simple sides help cut through the richness while making the meal feel complete and comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
Scoop steaming portions into individual ramekins for a dinner party, or serve family-style right from the bubbling baking dish, letting everyone dig in. For a make-ahead twist, layer the ingredients in smaller casserole dishes for freezer-friendly single servings, perfect for busy schedules or meal trains.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply cover the baking dish tightly or transfer portions to airtight containers, and store for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen and develop, making reheated leftovers extra delicious.
Freezing
This casserole is a freezer champion! Assemble the whole dish but hold off on baking. Wrap it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed—so handy for busy nights or when company’s coming.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20 minutes). For single servings, a quick zap in the microwave does the trick for a speedy meal, but cover with a damp paper towel to keep everything from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic for a Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe, feel free to play around with sharp cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack for a new cheesy twist.
Is there a way to lighten this dish up?
Yes! Swap in ground turkey or chicken for the beef, choose low-fat ricotta or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and use part-skim cheeses. You’ll still get tons of flavor with a lighter touch.
Can I add vegetables to the bake?
Of course! Stir in cooked mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or even zucchini before baking. It’s a great way to sneak extra nutrition into your Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe.
What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Penne and rotini are favorites because they hold sauce well and bake up perfectly. Any sturdy, short pasta like rigatoni or ziti would work just as well!
Can I assemble this dish ahead of time?
Definitely. The Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe can be put together up to a full day in advance, covered, and refrigerated until you’re ready to bake. Great for busy weeknights or meal prepping for a crowd.
Final Thoughts
There’s no better way to satisfy comfort food cravings than with Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly customizable, making it just as perfect for a Sunday dinner as for a hectic Tuesday night. Go ahead and give it a try—your family and friends will thank you!
Print
Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Beef Pasta Bake is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines pasta, ground beef, savory seasonings, and gooey cheeses, baked to perfection. It’s a hearty and flavorful meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
Beef Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Cheese:
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or pasta sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream or ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta: Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the beef mixture: Brown ground beef and onion in a skillet. Add garlic, seasonings, and marinara sauce. Simmer.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Mix cooked pasta and sour cream (or ricotta) with the beef mixture.
- Assemble and bake: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with cheeses, and bake until bubbly.
- Serve: Let rest, then garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Make it ahead by assembling the casserole and refrigerating for up to 24 hours.
- Add cooked veggies like mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
